EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WHDH) — An online petition is calling for the removal of a judge who gave a light sentence to a former East Longmeadow High School star athlete convicted of sexually assaulting two classmates.

Eighteen-year-old David Becker played soccer, volleyball and basketball at East Longmeadow High School. He was charged with rape and indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 but pleaded guilty last week to indecent assault and battery. Prosecutors said he sexually assaulted to two female classmates when they were unconscious.

The case is drawing parallels to the case of former Stanford University swimmer Brock Turner, who got just six months for a sexual assault conviction. An official with the women’s advocacy group UltraViolet says both cases are examples of “rape culture at work.”

Becker was sentenced to two years of probation with the possibility charges will be dismissed. Prosecutors had sought two years behind bars.

Becker’s attorney says the sentence is fair. Some people are upset he sentenced Becker to just two years of probation.

While on probation, Becker must remain drug and alcohol free and stay away from the two victims. If he complies, he will not have to register as a sex offender.

(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox