Former FAMU band member gets 51 weeks in jail in hazing death case

ORLANDO, Florida -- A former Florida A&M band member was sentenced to jail time for his role in the hazing death of a drum major.

Prosecutors said Jessie Baskin was the "most enthusiastic participant," in Robert Champion's death.

Baskin faced nine years when sentenced Friday for participating in the beating death of Robert Champion in November 2011 during a hazing ritual aboard a bus parked outside an Orlando hotel. Judge Marc Lubet gave Baskin 51 weeks in jail.

Lubet said as he sentenced Baskin that he didn't want to destroy Baskin's life. But, he said, Baskin did have to pay something for what he did. Baskin had pleaded no contest to manslaughter.

Baskin broke into tears several times Friday afternoon as he listened to family members and friends beg the judge to be lenient.

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