Former television weatherman Bill Kamal, who pleaded guilty to trying to seduce a teenage boy over the Internet, told a Miami federal judge Friday that he was “remorseful and humble,” asked for mercy, and promised he would be a productive member of society once released from prison.

“I will never be part of the criminal justice system for the rest of my natural life,” the fired WSVN-Ch. 7 chief meteorologist told U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore.

Moore sentenced Kamal to the minimum five years in prison and fined him $20,000 for using the Internet to entice a minor for sex.

Citing the nature of the crime, Moore disregarded the prosecution’s recommendation that Kamal be put on supervised release, or probation, for 10 years after serving his sentence. Instead, the judge sentenced Kamal to supervised release for life. His attorneys called that portion of the punishment “excessive.”

In October, a federal task force snared Kamal in a sting when a St. Lucie County sheriff’s deputy posed as a 14-year-old boy on the Internet. According to an affidavit in the case, Kamal encountered someone he thought to be an inexperienced, gay adolescent in a chat room called “Boyzformen.” It said Kamal introduced himself as “Billy” and wrote “hi, masc. lean ripped body, older looking 4 a son.”

Kamal and the “boy” eventually agreed to meet at a Fort Pierce convenience store, authorities said. Agents with the task force arrested Kamal when he arrived in the parking lot.

Kamal admitted arranging the meeting but denied planning to have sex with the boy, authorities said. WSVN fired him as chief meteorologist the day after his arrest.

Jeffrey Voluck, Kamal’s attorney, said Kamal was not a sexual predator but was “acting out.” Kamal pleaded guilty in December so he could go on with his life, Voluck said.

About 20 Kamal supporters from around the country filled three benches in the courtroom Friday. Several of them described a man who was spiritual, kind, concerned for his family and friends, and conscientious about his work as a TV weather forecaster.

Some said Kamal had a lonely and nave quality about him that probably led to his arrest, but clarified that he was not interested in young boys. “He doesn’t have a bad bone in his body,” said friend Dawn Krieger. “He had a childlike quality about him that was sweet and charming.”

Krieger said Kamal had been unfairly stigmatized by the nature of the charges against him.

Kamal eventually will tell his side of the story, she said.

“They’ll hear the truth one day,” Krieger said.

Lorraine Kalil, Kamal’s cousin and godmother, who lives in Massachusetts, testified in court that Kamal often called to check on her well-being. “He has been the light of my life,” she told Moore. “I love him dearly. He is my life.”

Kamal’s brother, Dan Kamal, told the judge that the fact that so many people were standing by his younger brother was a testament to Bill Kamal’s good qualities. “You have to earn that type of support and friendship,” he said.

In his statement to the judge, Kamal expressed faith that God would help him redeem himself.

“God wants that pure and innocent person he created returned,” he said. “I can and will make things right again.”

Madeline BarM-s Diaz can be reached at or 305-810-5007.