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David Meggett, Ex-NFL Star, Sentenced to 30 years for Sexual Assault, Burglary

Dave Meggett, Ex-NFL Star, Sentenced to 30 years for Sexual Assault, Burglary
David Meggett (CBS/WCSC)

CHARLESTON, S.C. (CBS/WCSC/AP) Former NFL star David Meggett was found guilty of first degree criminal sexual conduct and first degree burglary Wednesday and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Meggett was convicted in a case involving an encounter with a college student at her house in North Charleston in January 2009.

Meggett, who attended high school in North Charleston, was a running back and punt returner in the National Football League from 1989 to 1998. Meggett played six years with the New York Giants, three with the New England Patriots and one with the New York Jets. He had nearly 1,700 yards rushing and just over 3,000 receiving during his career.

Meggett, 42, did not take the stand in his own defense at trial and his lawyer said he will appeal. His conviction and sentencing was reported Wednesday by CBS affiliate WCSC.

Meggett's attorney, Beattie Butler, told the jury that Meggett admits to having sex with the woman, but the two were friends and had a sexual agreement as repayment for debt.

"Rapists don't ask for condoms, and they don't ask for forgiveness," Butler said.

Assistant solicitor Chad Simpson told the jury that Meggett stole the human dignity of the victim. She sat in the courtroom during closing arguments in tears.

Simpson said Meggett used aggravated force by choking the victim and he says the defendant used physical violence.

In 1998, Meggett was arrested in Toronto, Canada, after authorities said he assaulted an escort worker after a three-way sexual encounter. A trial on the assault charge ended with a hung jury in April 2000.

Meggett later worked as parks and recreation director in Robersonville, N.C., but resigned four years ago after he was accused of sexually assaulting his former girlfriend.

He was convicted of misdemeanor sexual battery in 2007, receiving received two years probation in the North Carolina case. Authorities said he was allowed to move back to South Carolina to serve his probation.

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