This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Long Beach school district wins $2.6M judgment against Brian Banks accuser
Brian Banks, a former high school football star who was falsely accused of rape, which landed him in jail.
(
Erika Aguilar, KPCC
)
The Long Beach Unified School District has won a $2.6 million judgment against a woman who falsely accused a former high school football star of rape, which landed him in jail.
The Long Beach Press-Telegram reports the default judgment recoups a $750,000 settlement paid to Wanetta Gibson and also includes attorneys' fees, interest and $1 million in punitive damages.
Gibson was 15 when she accused Long Beach Polytechnic graduate and former USC recruit Brian Banks of attacking her on campus. He insisted the sexual contact with Gibson was consensual, but pleaded no contest to forcible rape and spent more than five years in prison.
Banks was cleared of the rape conviction in May 2012 and has since signed a contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
Gibson's whereabouts aren't known. The ruling allows the school district to get the money through her future wages and property.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
