Judge rejects ex-Saints DB Darren Sharper’s plea deal for rape charges
A federal judge has rejected former New Orleans Saints defensive back Darren Sharper’s plea deal to reduce his sentence for multiple rape charges, reportsThe Times-Picayune.
Sharper pleaded guilty in May to drugging and raping nine women between August 2013 and January 2014. The deal he struck at the time would have put him in prison for 10 years, but at his hearing on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo ruled that such a sentence deviated too far from federal guidelines, which suggest 15 to 20 years.
Milazzo pointed to a report alleging Sharper could have raped up to 16 women dating back to January 2010, and said that if he does not withdraw his guilty plea she might hand down a harsher sentence.
Sharper’s attorney Kyle Schonekas said Sharper would consider withdrawing the guilty plea before his March 3 sentencing hearing.
The five-time Pro Bowler ended his 14-season NFL career in 2010 after winning the Super Bowl with the Saints in 2009.
