Former NFL linebacker Nate Webster has been found guilty on four counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor Wednesday afternoon. Despite the fact that he was acquitted of the most serious charges, Webster could still face upwards to 20 years in prison during his sentencing, which will take place on June 6. Judge Winkler thus sent Webster back to jail without bond, calling him a flight risk and that he should be prepared to serve a prison term.
From Local 12:
Jurors deliberated about two and a half hours Tuesday before going home for the day. The jury returned to the Hamilton County Courthouse Wednesday morning at 9:00a.m. to resume deliberations and came to a decision around 1:15 p.m.
Webster was served a seven-count indictment, accused of sexual battery, gross sexual imposition and five counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in July of 2011.
Opening statements began last week for Webster's trial, which included a video admission during police interrogation that the relationship began around a time that the victim was 15 years old. Webster's defense lawyers claimed that concussions caused a discrepancy in statements, in which he later claimed she was 16; age of consent in Ohio.
In a last ditch effort to save Webster, defense lawyers began attacking the victim's father, as well as the prosecution, using the trial to make a name for themselves.
Webster was originally given offered a plea deal that would have forced him to serve four years in prison, but now that could be significantly longer.
Webster played two seasons, but only four games, with the Bengals in 2004 and 2005.