CHARLESTON — Oklahoma State basketball player Darrell Williams was found guilty on three of five felony assault counts and will be sentenced on Aug. 24.
The scene in the courtroom was tense and Williams became quite emotional - weeping and moaning - and others erupted into tears and mournful cries after the first guilty verdict was read. The judge stopped the proceedings and gained control.
The two victims were not in the gallery during the verdict reading, but had hugged and cried earlier as the jury left the courtroom to begin deliberations.
Jurors recommended a year imprisonment - the minimum - on each of two rape by instrumentation convictions and no jail time on a sexual battery conviction. A conviction on rape by instrumentation carries a sentence of no less than one year and no more than 15 years in prison. Sexual battery can carry a sentence of up to 10 years.
Williams had been on trial for two weeks on four counts of rape by instrumentation and one count of sexual battery.
He was charged early last year following an investigation into the December 2010 allegations, and has continued to receive a scholarship to OSU and practice with the team although he didn’t play in any games.
Williams told police in a recorded interview that he was drunk at the party but that he remembered what happened and that he had not sexually assaulted anyone.
"I think this case worked through the criminal justice system as it should," Assistant District Attorney Jill Tontz said.
Defense attorney Cheryl Ramsey said she was "very disappointed," saying a mixed verdict was unusual.
---
Details for this story were provided by the Stillwater (Okla.) News-Press.
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
