When Mike Tyson Was Jailed For Three Years After Getting Accused Of Rape By An 18-Year-Old

Mike Tyson, a legendary American boxer, competed professionally from 1985 to 2005. After retiring in 2005, he took a prolonged hiatus from the sport. In 2020, Tyson made a much-anticipated return to the ring, facing another iconic fighter in an eight-round exhibition match on November 28.

Tyson’s Legal Troubles: The 1991 Rape Case

In July 1991, Tyson was arrested following accusations of rape by 18-year-old Desiree Washington, who held the title of Miss Black Rhode Island. Washington alleged that Tyson raped her in a hotel room in Indianapolis. Tyson denied the allegations, insisting their encounter was consensual.

In 1992, Tyson was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison, along with four years of probation.

Tyson’s chauffeur, Virginia Foster, stated that Washington appeared visibly shocked after the incident. Emergency room physician Thomas Richardson examined Washington and confirmed that her injuries were consistent with sexual assault.

Prison Sentence and Release

Tyson served less than three years of his six-year sentence before being released in March 1995. Under federal law, he is required to register as a Tier II sex offender for life.

Tyson has been married three times and is currently married to Lakiha “Kiki” Spicer, his long-time girlfriend. Across his marriages, Tyson has fathered seven children. Tragically, in 2009, he lost one of his children in a fatal accident involving a tangled cord.