Jailed Marine veteran makes his way back home

PALMETTO BAY, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida Marine veteran jailed for months in Mexico was released and will reunite with family just in time for the holidays.

Twenty-seven year old John Hammar was released from a Mexican prison Friday night.

After he was released, he was then driven to the US border in Texas about 15 miles away to meet with his dad. The two are now driving back to Florida.

Hammar had been jailed since Aug. 13. The former marine ran into trouble after he declared a gun he had brought with him into Mexico. Mexican officials said it was illegal and threw him behind bars.

His mother was overwhelmed with the news. "I'm so grateful to God," said Olivia Hammar, "because ultimately, we really believe that he orchestrated everything. So thank you so much."

"We've always said it and the Mexican system has proved it" said Hammar's lawyer. "However, I believe and down in the next stage you will see that there should be modifications to some laws and some things because this should not have happened."

Even though Hammar is free is on his way back to Florida, his family said he's not feeling all that well. He's been dealing with a cough and might visit a doctor when he arrives home. The family expects him back home on Christmas Eve.

(Copyright 2012 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)