Green says he's happy to be released from prison

Polygamist Tom Green said he is "happy" to be released from prison today.

The notorious polygamist walked out of the Utah State Prison this morning after serving six years in prison for bigamy, criminal non-support and child rape.

"I am happy to be released today," Green said in a statement released through the Utah Department of Corrections. "My time in prison has been very beneficial. I've been treated very well, and I've learned a lot from the life skills classes and therapy I've taken here in prison, along with working in the prison's Greenthumb Program."

Green, who was a regular fixture on TV talk shows from "Jerry Springer" to "Judge Judy," declined interview requests, saying he wished to live a "private, quiet life." He will live with his legal wife, Linda, whom he was convicted of marrying when she was just 13. Green's three other "wives" will live in attached houses.

Green's living arrangements have already drawn the scrutiny of Adult Probation and Parole agents, who have been instructed to report any law violations to the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole. Any violations of his parole could get Green sent back to prison.

In addition to standard parole terms, Green has been ordered to pay $34,420 in restitution to the state for supporting his large family. Green will also have to complete mental health therapy and have no contact with a former wife, who left him when he went to prison.

In his statement, Green expressed gratitude to the prison and the people of Utah.

"I'm very grateful to the people of the state of Utah for all they have done to help prepare myself, and other inmates, to not reoffend and to function appropriately in society," he wrote. "I look forward to return (sic) to life in society and to begin carrying again the many responsibilities I have incurred."

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com