Erick Howard Must be Resentenced for Robbery, Rape

More than a year into his current 30-year sentence at Lebanon Correctional Institute, Erick Howard, who was found guilty of robbing and raping a female victim during a home invasion, faces a resentencing. 

A 12-person jury found Howard guilty of aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, rape and kidnapping, all carrying firearm specifications. He joined two others in tying up and robbing a North Canton couple in their home Aug. 20, 2012. 

The Canton Repository reports that Howard must be resentenced for his 2012 convictions, because of a ruling that came down from the 5th District Court of Appeals this week. 

Former high school football standout Erick Howard must be resentenced for his 2012 convictions for robbing a North Canton couple.

It’s unclear whether the former high school football star's 30-year sentence will be reduced the second time around.

The three-judge 5th District panel vacated the sentence and ruled the case must be sent back to Heath for a resentencing hearing at a later date, the Repository reported. 

For more information, read the entire www.cantonrep.com story.