BOSTON -- Eighteen years after he was convicted in one of the nation's most controversial child abuse cases, Gerald Amirault walked out of Norfolk's Bay State Correctional Center Friday morning a free man.

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Amalia Barreda Reports On Amirault Video: David Boeri Reports On Victims' Reactions

NewsCenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that Gerald "Tooky" Amirault was convicted of abusing eight children at his family's Fells Acres day-care center in Malden during the 1980s.

The state parole board granted Amirault's release in October, and it became a reality last week when the Middlesex district attorney announced she would not try to have him civilly committed as a sexually dangerous person.

"I'm looking forward to move forward with my life and enjoy the things that I should have been for the past 18 years," Amirault said after his release.

For 18 years, Amirault maintained his innocence, while the victims in the case hoped this day would never come.

"I can't change what has happened. I can't change the 18 years that have gone by," Amirault said.

Before his release Friday morning, Amirault's family and friends gathered outside the prison.

"We are very excited. We can't wait to see him walk out the door. My stomach is flipping," said Amirault's daughter, Katie.

"We have waited every time. And it is like a dream today, you know what I mean? Is it really real?" said Amirault's mother-in-law, Mary McGonagle.

Amirault walked out of the prison with his wife, Patty, to the dismay of the now-adult victims who say he abused them. Amirault's attorneys and loved ones say all he wants is spend a weekend at home with his family for the first time since 1986.

The Amiraults have had many supporters who believed they were railroaded by investigators who questioned the 3- and 4-year-old victims using techniques that have since been discredited. The state Supreme Court upheld his conviction three times.

Amirault said he will continue working to prove his innocence.

"I'm going to fight this case until the day I die to clear my family's name," he said. "I'm going to get my name back."

Amirault will have to register as a sex offender and face other restrictions including no contact with anyone under the age of 18. He will be on parole until 2023.

Victims React To Release

While Amirault was reuniting with his family, victims reacted to his release.

NewsCenter 5's David Boeri reported that victim Jennifer Bennett, now 25, has been in counseling since she was 3 years old. On Friday, off camera, she called Amirault the most disgusting man put on the earth.

"Been hell for all of us. Can't describe it any better; can't describe it any worse. Hell is hell," said Jennifer Bennett's father, Paul.

Paul Bennett said his family grew angrier as Amirault's release date approached.

"We'd like to bury this thing and obviously with what Mr. Amirault said today, it is not going to be buried. Lets put this thing to an end. Now all he wants to do clear his name -- there is no name to clear. He is guilty, he did what he did and that's it," said Paul Bennett.

Jennifer Bennett said Friday that nearly 20 years ago Amirault told her "If (she) ever said anything he would come and kill (her)."

"Absolutely right. This is one of the threats he threw, plus she has given more information that he'd light the house on fire, he'd light her bed on fire, kill her entire family," said Paul Bennett.

Jennifer Bennett said she stopped going to counseling a few years back, but resumed the sessions when it was clear that Amirault was being released.