Student accused of making up rape allegations faces two years in prison

The former Sacred Heart University student accused of making up rape allegations against two football players to gain sympathy from a prospective boyfriend learned Thursday that prosecutors want her to serve two years in prison.

Nikki Yovino appeared shocked as she sat on a bench with her mother in the crowded Golden Hill Street courthouse and listened as her lawyer, Mark Sherman, gave her the bad news.

Moments later the 19-year-old Yovino stood before Superior Court Judge Earl Richards as Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Craig Nowak told the judge he was offering Yovino a plea bargain of two years in prison, followed by three years’ probation.

“I think the offer is a good one considering the serious allegations in the case,” Richards said. He then continued the case to June 26 for Yovino’s decision.

Following the hearing, Sherman declined comment.

Agustin Sevillano, the lawyer for the two former football players — who are not being identified — said later he also will consult with his clients regarding the plea deal.

Following Yovino’s allegations, Sevillano said his clients were scheduled for a school disciplinary hearing but on the advice of legal council agreed instead to withdraw from the university rather than face being expelled and having that on their records.

“This has just been a nightmare for them,” Sevillano said.

Yovino, who left Sacred Heart, is charged with second-degree falsely reporting an incident and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

On Oct. 15, police said the girl claimed the two men pulled her into a bathroom in the basement of a house off campus. Police said both men admitted having sex with Yovino, but said it was consensual. Police later questioned Yovino again after other students told police it appeared Yovino had gone willingly into the bathroom.

“She admitted that she made up the allegation of sexual assault against (the football players) because it was the first thing that came to mind and she didn’t want to lose (another male student) as a friend and potential boyfriend,” the affidavit states.