Coverage of Sentencing Hearing from Wednesday, June 6, 2012
A former Bengal found guilty of sex crimes is sentenced to spend 12 years in prison.
In April, Nate Webster was convicted of four counts of sexual conduct with a minor.
The judge said Webster preyed on his 15-year-old victim when she was most vulnerable and alone.
Local 12's Tiffany Wilson was in court when Webster apologized to the victim and her family for the first time.
Dressed in prison stripes instead of his typical pinstripe suit, Webster told the court he messed up.
The victim's father says Webster's apology is too little too late.
Before trial, Webster turned down a plea deal for four years. Now, he'll spend three times that in prison. The prosecutor says the victim's family is satisfied, but still feel their daughter was victimized.
"My childhood was stolen from me."
But, the victim acknowledged she was a willing participant in the affair.
"I apologize to everyone I've hurt."
Despite the girl's apology, Judge Ralph Winkler told the court Webster's duty as an adult was to protect and defend the girl while her dad was out of town for work, not turn to her for sexual pleasure.
Judge Winkler also ordered Webster to pay a $40,000 fine and pay $3,400 in restitution to the victim's family.
Previous Coverage...
Jurors have reached a verdict in the trial of a former Cincinnati Bengal. Nate Webster was found guilty on Wednesday on four counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. But the jury acquitted Webster on other charges, including sexual battery and gross sexual imposition.
However, a judge decided to send Webster to jail immediately, saying he a flight risk because of the charges. The judge told Webster that he should prepare to serve a prison term at his sentencing, scheduled for June 6th. Webster could face up to 20 years in prison.
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 had sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl back in 2009. The victim's father worked for the Bengals as an assistant coach but Webster's playing career was over at the time of the crimes.
