ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando boy who investigators said endured years of abuse is celebrating his first real Christmas in four years.
Last month, Gregory Jean Jr. was rescued from behind a wall inside the Georgia home of his father and stepmother.
The 13-year-old was rescued after he secretly used his stepmother’s cellphone to contact his mother.
On Christmas Eve, the Toys for Tots program dropped off Gregory’s presents, but he said coming home and being with his mother was the best gift of all.
“I was shocked because I didn’t know this was going to happen. Thank you,” Gregory said.
Any child would love a pile of new toys, but especially a 13-year-old who spent the last four years in a home that could be compared to a prison.
Gregory’s father and stepmother were arrested on child abuse charges after the boy’s rescue.
Since the rescue, Gregory has been loving life back at his mother’s Orlando home.
“It’s been good, it’s been great. I can spend time with my sisters, my brother, my mom,” he said.
It was because of his tough road that Toys for Tots and 9 Family Connection brightened the boy’s Christmas even more.
A Marine brought Gregory everything from a remote control car to a shiny new bike.
“It’s been good for me. I mean, everything changed for me, but my personality didn’t change. I am going to stay me regardless,” Gregory said.
He also received and iPad from Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs.