Judge Denies OSU Basketball Player New Trial

Darrell Williams was sentenced is Friday in Payne County District Court where he was convicted in July. The jury recommended a total of two years in prison, but the judge declared a 1-year suspended sentence and Williams must register as a sex offender.
Williams' attorneys have asked for a new trial -- saying they have new evidence. They have not commented on what the new evidence is and subpoenas for mental health and counseling records of his accusers are under seal.
Williams was charged after two women said he groped them at a party in December 2010.

Williams was suspended from the OSU basketball team in February 2011. Coach Travis Ford testified that he believes Williams is not guilty and said he will not comment further until after sentencing.

Payne County Assistant District Attorney Jill Tontz issued this statement.

"Although we were hoping that the Judge would honor the Jury verdict of one (1) year in the Payne County Jail, we are pleased that the Court sentenced him today and overruled the Defense’s Motion For New trial. The Defense had absolutely no new evidence that warranted this defendant to a new trial and the Judge’s ruling spoke volumes to that.

The two young ladies in this case have been outstanding and are a true testament to Sexual assault victims across the State of Oklahoma. This was not a case about Darrell Williams; it has always been about these two young ladies and what Darrell Williams did to them on that cold December night. These courageous women are an example that even though it may be difficult, if you are a victim of sexual assault, you deserve a voice and to hold offenders accountable under the law. Simply because you are an athlete or a public persona, you are not above the law. A Jury of Darrell Williams peers sat for almost three weeks listening to a lengthy list of witnesses; and found him guilty. According to the law in Oklahoma, he is no longer innocent of these charges…he is guilty. We are thankful that the case has finally come  to end for the victims and they can move on with their lives."

Posted: Friday, October 12 2012, 09:46 PM CDT