Women Who Falsely Accused Sacred Heart Football Players Of Rape Gets 1-Year Sentence

Nikki Yovino, a college student who made false rape claims against two football players in October 2016, has been sentenced to one year in jail. Yovino, who is 20, pleaded guilty to making false rape claims against players at Sacred Heart University. Yovino initially said the two players sexually assaulted her, but later admitted to making up the claim because she didn’t want to ruin a relationship with a potential boyfriend, according to the Daily Mail.
One of the former football players was identified as Malik St. Hilaire, who told the court that the false allegations ruined his life and got him expelled.
“I went from being a college student to sitting at home being expelled with no way to clear my name,” St. Hilaire said. “I just hope she knows what she has done to me, my life will never be the same. I did nothing wrong, but everything has been altered because of this.”
When St. Hilaire addressed the courtroom, Yovino could be seen rolling her eyes.


The other former player remained anonymous.
From the Daily Mail report:
Frank Riccio III, who is representing the football players, read a statement from the second man, who does not want to be identified. The man said he lost his football scholarship because of Yovino’s allegations and suffers from depression and anxiety.

“She accused me of what I believe to be a horrendous, horrific crime out of her own selfish concerns,” he said, according to The Hour. “I lost my scholarship, my dream of continuing to play football and now I am in debt $30,000 and I’m simply trying to get ahead as best as I can.”


Yovino could now face lawsuits in civil court from the two players falsely accused. Her mugshot, provided by the Bridgeport Police Department, can be seen below.
Bridgeport Police Department

WATCH: Michelle Beadle Blasts Ohio State, Urban Meyer
WATCH: Michelle Beadle Blasts Ohio State, Urban Meyer