ATLANTA — Jeffrey Hubbard, the man convicted last month of homicide by vessel in causing the Lake Lanier crash that killed 11-year-old Kile Glover, was sentenced to serve four years in prison and 15 years on probation.
Kile is the stepson of entertainer Usher.
Prior to sentencing, Hall County Superior Court Judge Bonnie Oliver told Hubbard that she wished she could turn back time, and that he operated a jet ski in a "foolish" manner that cost the life of a child.
"I'm disappointed that you have not accepted more responsibility for what occurred," said Oliver.
Hubbard, a friend of Glover's father, was operating a jet ski that collided into a wave tube carrying Glover and a friend in July 2012. The friend sustained serious injuries. Glover died of brain injuries.
Glover's mother, who was not on the lake the day of the tragedy, told Channel 2's Tom Regan she was satisfied with the sentence.
"I'm glad justice was served. Like I said, it's a double-edged sword in a situation like this. No one really wins. I think people need to learn from his mistake. So there has to be consequences for his actions," said Tameka Raymond.
Raymond said she was disappointed Hubbard never apologized to her, until he apologized in court prior to his sentencing. Hubbard's father said his son wanted to express an apology earlier but was advised against doing so by his counsel.
"He's been remorseful from day one. It's been a nightmare for him for the past two years, and it's probably going to be indelibly etched in his mind for the rest of his life," said Simon Hubbard.
Raymond said the end of the trial and sentencing will not end the anguish over losing a child she called her soulmate.
"I'm here waiting for God to give me closure so I can understand the message of what I'm supposed to get from this. I plan to keep his legacy alive. I have Kile's World Foundation. We're doing a 5k race. I'm doing things in honor of Kile all year around, so Kile's spirit will live on," said Raymond.