Brandon Banks, a former Vanderbilt University football player that was involved in the 2013 rape of an unconscious student, was sentenced to 15 years in prison today.
Brandon Vandenburg was essentially the ‘leader’ and boyfriend of the female victim, and was sentenced to 17 years in November. His teammate, Corey Batey, who also participated, was sentenced to 15 years.
Brandon Banks was convicted in June, and his charges included aggravated rape and aggravated sexual assault, according to the New York Post. Banks was found not guilty on five other counts.
Banks tried to testify that he was bullied into committing this horrific crime, but prosecutors disregarded the claim. There is clear surveillance footage of all four of the ex-football players dragging the girls unconscious body into a dorm room.
Vandenburg took photos and video that he sent to friends in California and the footage was also used during the trial.
This statement from the victim was read during the sentencing of Vandenburg,“Please do not use my absence as an excuse for leniency, as it in no way diminishes the profound and insidious impact of Mr. Vandenburg on me and my life,” she wrote. “I still ask that he receive the full sentence allowed under the law for orchestrating a sustained 30-minute gang rape against me, a defenseless woman who trusted him. The minimum sentence is not enough for what this man did to me.”
Jaborian “Tip” McKenzie is still awaiting trial.