Former Bria Holmes Elite girls basketball program coach Danny Lawhorn Jr. has been sentenced to four years in prison for sexually assaulting a player under 18 years old. The sentencing came after Lawhorn was acquitted of rape but convicted of having sex with the underage athlete, in violation of a state law prohibiting coaches from engaging in such behavior.
Lawhorn was arrested in June 2021 after a 17-year-old player accused him of sexual assault, leading to his conviction for second-degree sexual assault. The victim reported the assault after Lawhorn allegedly requested her to come to his room for stretching following a practice. Lawhorn maintained that the encounter was consensual and disputed being the girl’s coach.
Lawhorn’s attorney argued that he should not be considered the girl’s coach under the vague terms of the law. However, prosecutors emphasized their commitment to prosecuting sexual assault cases and bringing justice to victims like the girl in this case.
Lawhorn had previously received a federal prison sentence for narcotics offenses related to the investigation of the sexual assault allegations. He still faces additional charges from other teens who have accused him of sexual assault.
The trial and sentencing of Lawhorn shed light on the issues of sexual assault in sports programs, highlighting the importance of protecting young athletes and holding coaches accountable for their actions.
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