BOSTON -- Prosecutors gave him the nickname "The Animal," and on Thursday, prosecution errors set him free.

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David Boeri Reports On Release

NewsCenter 5's David Boeri reported that one-time Boston mob captain Vincent Ferrara walked out of the city's Federal Court House Thursday morning a free man after 16 years.

"I'm not really feeling anything but gratitude for my attorney and my family that have been supportive of me for all these years," Ferrara said after his release.

Ferrara was arrested for racketeering and assorted crimes in 1989. Looking at the possibility of a life sentence, he pled guilty and served 16 years in prison. But federal hearings convinced Judge Mark Wolf to order Ferrara's release. According to court hearings, prosecutor Jeffrey Auerhahn had outrageously and deliberately withheld evidence that his chief witness was lying, leading Ferrara to pleading guilty to a murder he possibly did not commit.

"I feel vindicated in a sense, but I never really felt I was all that wrong to begin with. They overplayed their hand," said Ferrara.

Wolf found that Ferrara had been a violent Mafia lieutenant, but no there was no evidence he was a danger to the community. An appeals court upheld Wolf's finding.

"My brother's a smart, intelligent person, and he's done some things wrong -- he admits it, but he has changed his life," said Philip Lamonica.

When questioned whether he'll rejoin the ranks or take over from the current mob boss, Ferrara didn't answer.

Despite the courts' ruling, the U.S. Attorney insists Ferrara poses a danger to the community.