Apple Valley Man Charged With Possession Of Stolen OJ Simpson Heisman Trophy
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — An Apple Valley man has been charged with possession of stolen property in connection with the theft of O.J. Simpson's 1968 Heisman Trophy from the University of Southern California.
Lewis Eugene Starks Jr., 56, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to one count of receiving stolen property, Los Angeles County District Attorney's officials said.
The statue, given annually to college football's top player, was stolen along with Simpson's jersey and a plaque on July 28, 1994 from USC's Heritage Hall, according to prosecutors.
Starks was arrested Monday, after allegedly trying to sell the items late last year. He is accused of being in possession of the university's copy of the trophy and plaque, knowing it had been stolen.
He was not charged with theft, which remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Prosecutors say they will recommend bail for Starks – who has a previous conviction for burglary -- be set at $70,000.
If convicted as charged, Starks faces up to six years in state prison, prosecutors said.
Starks is due back in court Sept. 15 for a preliminary hearing.