A former Brigham Young University baseball star has been handed a significant prison sentence for the horrific sexual abuse of a young girl over a harrowing five-year period.
Jacob Hannemann, once a celebrated outfielder for the BYU Cougars and a former MLB prospect within the Seattle Mariners organisation, faced justice in a Utah courtroom. The 32-year-old was sentenced to a term of up to 30 years in the Utah State Prison for sexually abusing a minor known to him.
The disturbing case came to light after the victim bravely disclosed the prolonged abuse to a trusted adult. Court documents reveal the abuse began when the girl was under the age of 14 and continued for half a decade, painting a picture of sustained trauma and betrayal.
Hannemann, who had previously pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree felony sexual abuse of a child, showed little emotion as the sentence was delivered. The judge's ruling means the ex-athlete will serve a minimum of five years behind bars before becoming eligible for parole.
The case has stunned the local sports community, where Hannemann was once revered for his athletic prowess. His fall from grace serves as a stark reminder that status and past achievements offer no protection from the full force of the law when such grievous crimes are committed.
