Cory Batey, then 19, was originally charged with five counts of aggravated rape, one count of attempted aggravated rape, two counts of aggravated sexual battery and two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery. Cory Batey was convicted of rape and sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Story Highlights. Cory Batey, 22, sentenced to 15 years in prison, the minimum the judge in the case could impose. The victim spoke in court about the devastating impact the rape had on her. She also spoke of a racial slur said toward her during the rape.
The woman left the courtroom when the judge gave Batey a chance to speak. His wrists were in cuffs and he wore an orange jail uniform. He has been in custody since a jury in April found him guilty of aggravated rape and other counts.
Audrey Batey attended her son’s trial in January 2015, a 12-day proceeding that was later nullified when the judge declared a mistrial because of an issue with a juror. Batey was tried again in April, and his mother was there each day. She worked at Vanderbilt for more than 30 years, according to prior testimony.
A judge Friday sentenced former Vanderbilt University football player Cory Batey to 15 years in prison, but said the man’s true punishment for raping an unconscious woman three years ago was a life sentence.
Audrey Batey attended her son’s trial in January 2015, a 12-day proceeding that was later nullified when the judge declared a mistrial because of an issue with a juror. Batey was tried again in April, and his mother was there each day. She worked at Vanderbilt for more than 30 years, according to prior testimony.
The woman left the courtroom when the judge gave Batey a chance to speak. His wrists were in cuffs and he wore an orange jail uniform. He has been in custody since a jury in April found him guilty of aggravated rape and other counts.
The prison term Watkins handed down was the minimum allowed by law. Batey, 22, must serve all 15 years. The ruling came at the end of a 90-minute hearing in which the rape victim gave an emotional statement about her own life sentence. She spoke from a podium, reading her statement, pausing to cry and looking up at the judge.
He didn’t even know who I was.”. In prior court hearings, prosecutors have acknowledged a racial statement was made but it was never said publicly in court. On Friday, multiple sources confirmed to The Tennessean the statement Batey made.
She said the rape was “real out of character for Cory.”. Batey's lawyer, Worrick Robinson, asked if Audrey Batey would like to meet the victim and what she would tell her. “That I’m sorry," Audrey Batey said. "It wasn’t my son, and will you forgive us.”.
Three other former football players were charged in the case. Brandon E. Banks and Jaborian "Tip" McKenzie have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial. A jury found Brandon Vandenburg, 23, guilty on all eight counts against him after a separate trial in June. His sentencing is set for Sept. 30.
The victim, who is now a 23-year-old student at Vanderbilt University, said she felt “betrayed” by the decision to release him from jail before he appeals. “You’re letting someone who caused me pain and humiliation and shame walk free,” she told The Tennessean. “I would not feel safe with him walking on the street.”
Batey is currently serving time at Tennessee State Prison. The address for the prison is: 2408 Rhea Road, Nashville, TN 37218. After his release from prison, he will have to register as a sex offender for life.
If released on parole, there are restrictions that would prevent him from living near campus and attending any school sponsored event. Cory Batey is not eligible for parole until he has served at least 60 percent of his sentence, meaning that it’s possible that he could be released in 2024.