Reported By Jacqueline Fell
SANFORD -- A judge freed Kareem Merthie, 26, who had been locked up for nearly a decade for raping children, but the celebration for his family quickly turned tragic.
Before the judge released him, Merthie's mother, Ruth Merthie, collapsed in the hallway after stepping out.
She was rushed to Central Florida Regional Hospital where she died.
Two medical experts said Merthie is not an active sexually violent predator.
Merthie preyed on as many as 20 children. He's the son of a minister, and most of the rapes happened at his father's church, New Life Word Center.
But now, mental health experts agree he is a different person after intense therapy.
Meanwhile, neighbors said they're concerned Merthie is moving back into the neighborhood.
His uncle, who he'll be living with, lives on Alexander Avenue.
Many neighbors didn't want to go on camera, but one woman said he better be on his best behavior.
"I really don't like it because these people that hurt people and do things, they slap them on the wrist and let them out of jail. That is not right. They get out and do the same thing or worse. He's raped over 20 people, so what makes you think he's gonna stop now?" the woman said.
Merthie was convicted in 2000, and after serving his prison sentence, he was sent to a state mental hospital as a "Jimmy Ryce" offender, meaning he was still dangerous.
However, the judge Friday said Merthie is OK to integrate society once again.
Comment on this story.