One of the two Ohio high school students convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl was released early from prison on Monday, the Charlotte Observer reported.
Local station WTOV-TV in Steubenville reported that Ma'Lik Richmond, 17, was set free from the juvenile detention center where he was completing his sentence.
Richmond's attorney, Walter Madison, said his client is a "better, stronger person" and is asking for privacy. He declined to comment further.
In March, Richmond was sentenced to one year in prison. He and fellow Steubenville High School football player Trent Mays were convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl in August 2012.
Mays was sentenced for taking a picture of the girl naked and sentenced to two years in prison.
In August, Richmond was classified as a Tier II sex offender and is required to report his place of residence to the county sheriff every six months for the next 20 years of his life. Mays is also registered as a Tier II sex offender.
The victim's attorney, Bob Fitzsimmons, has not commented on the news.
Social media sites like Twitter are already overflowing with comments on the matter, which are sure to continue throughout updates.
"Steubenville rapist 'endured harness beyond imagine'. Hm imagine if he was a rape victim!" tweeted Christina Frasca.
"...'law enforcement' seems to never value girls," tweeted Lora Kolodny.
