Darrell Williams was convicted in July on three counts of sex crimes.STILLWATER, Oklahoma -
The Rev. Jesse Jackson and supporters of former Oklahoma State
University basketball player Darrell Williams packed a Stillwater church and
prayed for his freedom.
Williams was
convicted last month on three counts of sex crimes, but Jackson and his people
insist Williams is innocent.
On Friday,
Williams will be sentenced. On the eve of the sentencing, Jackson
asked God for a miracle and is calling on the judge to be merciful.
8/21/2012 Related Story: Rev. Jesse Jackson To Attend Forum On Former OSU Basketball Player
Growing up
in Chicago, Williams is no stranger to members of Jackson's
Rainbow PUSH Coalition. So, when Williams' mother asked for help, Jackson
answered the call.
Even though
they provided no evidence to the contrary, Jackson and other supporters do not
feel justice played out as a jury found Williams guilty on two counts of rape by
instrumentation and one count of sexual battery against two women.
Williams' alleged crimes happened in December 2010. That's when prosecutors say Williams
victimized two women at a party.
5/3/2012 Related Story: Judge Allows State's Witness To Testify In Trial Against OSU's Darrell Williams
Jackson urged
supporters at Mount Zion Baptist Church to gather for prayer at the Payne
County Courthouse Friday ahead of Williams' sentencing.
The jury is
recommending two years in prison for Williams.
Also on
Thursday, Jackson raised money and called for a Stillwater chapter for his
Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
