MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Former West Virginia running back Justin Crawford was sentenced to 12 years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to child molestation and sodomy charges in Muscogee County (Ga.) Superior Court.
In October 2018, Crawford, 24, was arrested in Columbia, Ga., following accusations that he had oral sex and intercourse with a 12-year-old girl, according to a police detective’s testimony. Crawford allegedly admitted to both acts, claiming the sex was the girl’s idea, the detective testified.
He was originally charged with aggravated child molestation, incest with a minor, sodomy, and enticing a minor for indecent purposes, all felonies in the state of Georgia.
Crawford played for the Mountaineers from 2016-17, rushing for 2,237 yards and 11 touchdowns in two seasons.
Crawford signed as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons but was released following the final preseason game. He plays for the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football league.
Crawford starred at Hardaway High School in Columbus before becoming a juco All-American at Northwest Mississippi Community College.
