PFLUGERVILLE, Texas — Supporters of Greg Kelley, the former Leander High School student convicted of sexually assaulting a child, celebrated his release at a homecoming bash Thursday.

Kelley served three years of his 25-year sentence before getting out of jail on bond a few weeks ago.

Since his release, Kelley says he has been enjoying the little things in life, and has had the opportunity to do things he’s waited three years for, like spending time outdoors and hanging out with his family and friends.

The homecoming celebration was held at Uncle Gary’s Bar and Grill in Pflugerville.

Dozens of people attended to extend their support for Kelley, whose fate is in the hands of the Court of Criminal Appeals.

Kelley says Thursday’s event was a great opportunity for him to personally thank his "fighters," – everyone who has sent him letters, phone calls of encouragement, and prayers during his time in prison.

"I get to actually be in their presence, I get to enjoy time with them, I get to speak with them, I get to shake their hand, I get to just be with them and I think I find great fulfillment after that," Kelley said. "They’ve stayed in contact with me, they’ve made sure I was okay."

Kelley added that he feels a deep connection to everyone who has stood by him the past few years – many of whom are total strangers.

"It’s emotional for me because I share it with them, I share the time that I had, the good and bad in prison,” Kelley said. “Those people were doing the time with me."

While he’s been able to have fun and relax, that’s been coupled with the realization that his fight for total freedom is far from over.

"It’s a slow process, but you know what, it doesn’t change how I’m going to live life right now," said Kelley. “Truth and justice will prevail, and I will keep living life."

Kelley remains one of three suspects in the investigation, including Johnathan McCarty and a third unidentified suspect.

His hope is to be cleared of his conviction, but that is only one of three outcomes – the Court of Criminal Appeals will either exonerate him, grant a new trial, or uphold his conviction, and that decision could take a year or longer.