Darren Sharper reaches new deal in rape trial, will be sentenced in May
Former New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper has reached a new plea deal in his rape trial and his sentencing has been delayed until May, reports Travers Mackel of WDSU New Orleans.
Sharper pleaded guilty in Louisiana state court last June to drugging and sexually assaulting three women. He pleaded guilty to two counts of forcible rape and one count of simple rape. Sharper also pleaded guilty to charges in Nevada and Arizona, and pleaded no contest in California.
“Mr. Sharper has reached a new plea deal with the Government and will continue to cooperate with the Government.” read a Wednesday court filing. “... Mr. Sharper respectfully requests that his sentencing be continued until after the trial of this matter ... so that the Court can evaluate the full cooperation in connection with sentencing. The government consents to this request.”
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Sharper has been in jail since February 2014 after he was arrested in Los Angeles following rape allegations. He originally pleaded guilty and expected to be sentenced to nine years in jail for all offenses, reports WDSU. A judge rejected that deal, leading to the new agreement Wednesday.
Sharper will now work with prosecutors and testify against two co-defendants.
Sharper played 14 seasons in the NFL with the Packers, Vikings and Saints. He was a five-time Pro Bowl defender and two-time first-team All-Pro selection.
