Rape conviction of one-time local football star vacated
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (BDCi) – A judge has vacated the rape conviction of once-promising high school football star Brian Banks after his accuser recanted her story.
Banks has spent six years in prison. He broke down in tears Thursday morning when the decision came down.
Back in 2002, Banks, then 16, was a rising football star at Long Beach Poly Tech. He had a full scholarship offer from USC waiting when he was accused of raping another teen.
Banks pleaded no contest rather than risk 41 years to life in prison if he was convicted at trial. The California Innocence Project represented Banks in his appeal to have his sentence overturned.
By: Natania Levine
Courtesy: ktla.com
Photo: scpr.org
24 May 2012
10:36 a.m. P.D.T