Pocono News Section

Hanover Township teen released

Hanover Township teen released - Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 2:15PM EST

Wednesday, Jun 18, 2008 @ 02:15pm EST

Controversy swirled over his sentence, but he's free for now.

Hanover Township teenager Kevin Willamson is back with his family after serving time at a juvenile camp.

The juvenile law center says the judge in Williamson's case, Mark Ciaverala, skipped necessary steps at his hearing.

Williamson was all smiles as he reunites with family and friends in Wilkes-Barre .

"Just happy to be away from all that up there, the woods and everything, just back in the city," says Williamson.

Since April 22nd, Williamson has been at a juvenile detention camp in Jim Thorpe.

He was sent there after punching another teenager.

The family thought the sentence was unfair, and they appealed

The sentencing judge, Mark Ciaverala, has since stepped down from juvenile court.

Now Williamson will get a new hearing, under a new judge.

Williamson's mother Susan Mishanski says, "It's been a long haul, but i think everything worked out to be fair. Glad he's going home, we just want to go on with our lives. Take him home, love him up."

While Williamson was away, his friends wore “free kev” t-shirts to school.

They're happy he's back too.

Erin Petrosky of Hanover Township says, "I'm excited. He's been there a long time and it's about time he's home."

Megan Rutkoski of Hanover Township says, "It's unbelievable. It's been like a really long time and I just really missed him and I'm really happy he got out."

Williamson heard about the support and appreciated it.

"It's awesome, i like it. They're good friends. I love them all to death."

And now he'll look for that same support at his next hearing.

He's back in front of the new judge, David Lupas on July 8th.

The juvenile law center is asking the superior court to free all juvenile's currently incarcerated under judge Ciaverella.

That appeal is pending.