CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 22 — Rae Carruth, the former Carolina Panthers wide receiver, was sentenced today to more than 18 years in prison for masterminding the death of the woman pregnant with his child.

Carruth turned 27 on Saturday, the day after he was convicted of conspiring to kill the woman, Cherica L. Adams, shooting into an occupied car and trying to destroy an unborn child in 1999. He was acquitted of first- degree murder, which carries a sentence of life without parole or the death penalty.

Judge Charles Lamm ruled that Carruth must serve at least 18 years 11 months, with a maximum of 24 years 4 months. He will get credit for a year served awaiting trial.

Carruth's lawyer, David Rudolf, immediately filed an appeal.

The sentencing brought some solace to Adams's mother, Saundra, who said she "agonized for the past 14 months in silence" as the case unfolded.