Judge sentences O.J. Simpson to at least 15 years

12/05/2008 11:14:57 AM PST


var requestedWidth = 0;
if(requestedWidth > 0){ document.getElementById('articleViewerGroup').styl e.width = requestedWidth + "px"; document.getElementById('articleViewerGroup').styl e.margin = "0px 0px 10px 10px"; } LAS VEGAS (AP) — O.J. Simpson, who was acquitted of the 1994 slayings of his ex-wife and her friend in Los Angeles, was sentenced Friday to at least 15 years in prison in an armed robbery case.

Clark County District Court Judge Jackie Glass sentenced Simpson after saying he was arrogant and ignorant. She said the evidence against him was overwhelming.

Earlier, 61-year-old Simpson apologized and told the judge he was sorry about trying to retrieve memorabilia that he said belonged to him. He appeared ready to break down in tears during a rambling, 5-minute declaration.
"I didn't want to steal anything from anyone ... I'm sorry, sorry," he said.

Prosecutor David Roger said Simpson was the ring leader in the botched attempt to recover the items from two collectibles peddlers.

Judge Glass also ruled that Simpson cannot be freed on bail pending possible appeal.
The judge said she wanted to make clear that she did not consider Simpson's previous acquittal on murder charges in deciding his sentence.

"I'm not here to sentence Mr. Simpson for what's happened previously" in his life, she said.
Simpson's co-defendant and former golfing buddy, Clarence "C.J. Stewart, also was sentenced.
Simpson and Stewart were both brought to the courtroom in dark blue jail uniforms, their hands shackled to their waists with chains. Simpson, who had not been expected to speak, decided to deliver a statement to the judge.

As he spoke, the courtroom was hushed. His two sisters, Shirley Baker and Carmelita Durio, sat in the front row of the courtroom, along with his adult daughter.

Both men were convicted Oct. 3 of 12 criminal charges, including kidnapping and armed robbery.