Ex-NFL Player Claims Alibi In Sexual Assault Case
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) --The former professional football player who is facing criminal charges in connection with a number of Natomas home invasions says he has proof that he isn't guilty of the most serious accusation, a charge of sexual assault.
Keith Wright, 31, told CBS13 on Wednesday he was at a family reunion in Madera, 150 miles away, at the time he is accused of walking into an unlocked Natomas apartment and sexually assaulting a woman early last weekend.
Wright claims hotel receipts, pictures from the family reunion and hotel surveillance video should prove he couldn't have come back home in time to commit the attack.
Wright is also suspected in two other Natomas home invasions. In all three incidents, victims gave descriptions of a similar suspect who held them at gunpoint after entering their homes through unlocked doors.
Sacramento Police investigators say they have a strong case that links Wright to the scene of the sexual assault, including DNA evidence.
"Mr. Wright will have his opportunity to give his defense in court," said Sgt. Andrew Pettit. "We feel confident that Mr. Wright is the correct suspect."
Wright's neighbor and friend, Derek Franklin, said the 6'2", 300 pound athlete is a devoted family man who always spends time with his wife and son, calling the charges against him completely false..
"I just don't believe it. He's just not that type of person," Franklin said.
Wright played at Sacramento City College in 1999 and was an All-Big 12 defensive end at Missouri. He was drafted by the Houston Texans and signed to a $925,000 contract in 2003, but then bounced around NFL practice squads the next several seasons, last playing for the Detroit Lions in 2006.
Wright is being held without bail at the Sacramento County Main Jail on four felony counts of robbery, kidnapping, sexual assault and burglary along with one misdemeanor count of sexual battery.
