Judge gives Christopher Morris the maximum allowable sentence after the jury recommended 165 years
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) — Christopher Morris, a former Jefferson County Public Schools aide and traveling basketball coach convicted of nearly 40 sex crimes, has been sentenced to 70 years in prison.
A jury convicted Morris in January and recommended a 165-year sentence. However, state law capped the sentence at 70 years. Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Eric Haner imposed the maximum allowed.
Defense sought minimum sentence
Morris’ attorney, Clay Kennedy, asked the court to show leniency, arguing that even a minimum sentence would keep Morris imprisoned until his mid-70s.
“I’d ask the court to consider something in the 20 year range, which would be about the minimum allowable by statute,” Kennedy said.
Judge rejects reduction
Judge Haner declined to reduce the sentence.
“Based upon the nature of the charges with which you were convicted and the conduct this court heard during several days of trial, I find any reduction in sentence to be completely inappropriate,” Haner said.
Judge addresses Morris directly
Haner also addressed Morris’ use of religion, noting that he had previously allowed Morris to withdraw a guilty plea after Morris raised concerns about his former attorney advising him to atone for his sins. The judge said Morris used religion to manipulate his victims.
“You hijacked religion to manipulate them to do what you were really interested in, illegal sex acts, when all they wanted to do was one simple thing, play basketball,” Haner said.
Haner also told Morris directly that his actions had consequences.
“You took their freedom away from them, in so many ways, and now something is going to be taken away from you today, and that is your freedom,” Haner said.
Morris had spent years on home incarceration after being charged. His only visible reaction to the sentence was briefly shaking his head as he was led from the courtroom after telling a family member, “I love you.”
The judge also credited the survivors for coming forward and sharing their stories multiple times.
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