Aaron Hernandez Associate Ernest Wallace Convicted Of Accessory To Murder
BOSTON (CBS) – An associate of former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has been sentenced to prison after he was convicted of accessory to murder in the death of Odin Lloyd.
Ernest Wallace was acquitted of murder on Friday. But upon being convicted of accessory after the fact, Wallace was sentenced to 4.5-7 years in state prison by Judge E. Susan Garsh.
Prosectuors had recommended Wallace receive seven years, the maximum sentence allowable.
In April 2015, a jury found Hernandez guilty in the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd.
Garsh sentenced the former football player to life in prison.
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn released a statement following Wallace's conviction.
I very much respect the jury's verdict. They apparently felt there wasn't sufficient evidence to prove Mr. Wallace and Mr. Hernandez were acting in concert to kill Odin Lloyd. I am happy the jury found the defendant guilty of accessory after the fact to murder, and was involved in the attempt to cover up the crime. I am pleased he will serve a state prison sentence. I have great respect for the jury system and want to thank the members of the jury for their service in a long trial. I would also like to express my appreciation and admiration for the efforts of our prosecutorial and investigatory team. They have made great personal sacrifices to obtain justice for Odin Lloyd, his family and the community.
Hernandez still faces a double murder trial in Suffolk County.