A former NBA player and actor was convicted and sentenced to 90 years in prison for a series of violent sexual assaults, some of which occurred in Los Angeles County, authorities said.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, their investigation into Rashid Byrd began in 2019 after a victim reported being sexually assaulted.
“During their investigation, detectives discovered [that] in 2010, Byrd was convicted of sexual assault involving a different victim.” “Detectives also found that Byrd had been arrested for sexually assaulting a young woman in the state of Washington in 2005.”
Byrd’s victims told investigators he was “initially charming” before subsequently forcing them to perform a variety of sexual acts.
“He started as a charmer, highlighting his status as an athlete and pseudo-celebrity, but that quickly turned into rapes and violence,” said Detective Dara Brown, the lead investigator on the case.
The former NBA player, who also had several seasons in Europe in addition to acting in “Semi-Pro” and “Bring Your ‘A’ Game,” was arrested in September 2020 by LAPD detectives for sexual assault.
His bail was set at $4,150,000, and he remained in custody since his arrest, law enforcement officials said.
The 39-year-old was ultimately convicted and sentenced to between 90 years and life in state prison on Friday for the violent sexual assaults that occurred in Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties.
“The Los Angeles Police Department is grateful for the brave women who came forward to tell their stories,” Detective Brown said. “While this investigation has taken years, we are grateful that Byrd is no longer on the streets.”
Efforts were made to locate all of Byrd’s victims, Detective Brown said, adding that anyone with additional information about his crimes should contact her via email at rhdtipline@lapd.online or by calling (213) 486-6840.
During non-business hours and on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.
Image: Wfla
