An Eastern student pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of trespassing and battery over winter break.

Conor Murnane, kinesiology and sports studies major and former member of the football team pleaded guilty to reduced charges where he admitted to trespassing in a woman’s apartment, May 2, 2010.

Assistant Attorney, Tom Bucher prosecuted the case and said that Murnane was sentenced to 10 days in jail and two years of probation for his crimes.

Murnane will serve his days in jail during his spring break and he will serve for day-to-day credit.

With the day-to-day credit, Murnane will probably serve five days in jail.

Also, Murnane must pay $5,000 in fines and is not allowed to have any contact with the woman.

Murnane will also have to undergo substance abuse treatment for alcohol and drugs and complete 100 hours of community service.

Bucher said if Murnane fails to comply with any of the provisions of the plea bargain he would serve additional jail time.

Murnane was originally charged with a felony for residential burglary.

Bucher said there were many factors that played a role in his agreement to the plea bargain, though he did not elaborate further.

“Given the facts, I believe that the Murnane case will be an appropriate determent for the students and the community from committing such crimes,” Bucher said.

On May 2, 2010, Murnane entered the victim’s apartment at 1554 Fourth St. in Charleston and he admitted to unzipping her pants.

Ron Tulin, Murnane’s defense attorney, would not comment on the case.

Rich Moser, associate athletic director, said that Murnane is no longer a member of the football team.

Murnane was not available for comment on his charges.

Elizabeth Edwards can be reached at 581-2812 or eaedwards@eiu.edu.