A former West Virginia State University football player has been convicted in Ohio in connection with a serious criminal case involving an Ohio University student. Andres Sebastian Sagastume, 23, of Chantilly, Virginia, was found guilty following a multi-day jury trial in Athens, Ohio.
According to court officials, Sagastume was visiting Athens in August 2024 when the incident occurred in the student’s apartment. Prosecutors presented evidence over four days, and a jury ultimately returned a guilty verdict on a rape charge.
The Athens County Prosecutor’s Office, which led the case, described how the two individuals had met earlier before the encounter that led to the criminal charges. Law enforcement agencies, including the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department in West Virginia, assisted with the investigation.
Sagastume’s conviction carries significant consequences under Ohio law. He is scheduled to be sentenced in late January 2026, where a judge will determine the length of his prison term.
Community leaders and campus officials have not publicly commented on the verdict, but cases like this typically prompt ongoing discussions about college safety, support for survivors, and how universities and law enforcement work together during serious investigations.
The conviction of a student-athlete in a serious criminal matter is a reminder of the legal and personal responsibilities individuals carry, especially when interacting with peers. It also highlights the role of local prosecutors and juries in handling sensitive and high-profile cases.
This case was reported out of Athens, Ohio, and reflects the ongoing legal pursuit of justice when serious crimes are alleged between adults in campus communities. Updates on the sentencing and any appeals will likely follow as those legal processes continue.
