Georgia Justices Order Teen Freed From Prison

Oct 27, 11:03 AM

Current Headlines: ATLANTA (AP) -- A former high school football star given 10 years in prison for having consensual oral sex with another teenager was freed Friday by Georgia's highest court, which ruled that his sentence amounted to cruel and unusual punishment.

Genarlow Wilson's case led to widespread protests of racism and heavy handed justice. Wilson and the girl -- both black -- were only two years apart.

"I never gave up hope in our judicial system, and I never gave up hope in all the prayers people sent out for us," Wilson's mother, Juannessa Bennett, told reporters.

Wilson, 21, offered advice to other teens: "They should be very hesitant before they join certain crowds and make certain decisions."

In its 4-3 decision, the Georgia Supreme Court noted that state lawmakers later scrapped the law that required a minimum 10-year prison term.

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