harrisonsdream
08-17-2007, 10:00 AM
Deals leave Vick as last dogfighting defendant
By LARRY O'DELL
Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. — Two of Michael Vick's alleged cohorts in a dogfighting enterprise entered guilty pleas today, leaving the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback to make his own deal or face a trial on the federal charges.
With his NFL career in jeopardy and superseding indictment adding more charges in the works, Vick and his lawyers have been talking with federal prosecutors about a possible plea agreement.
But there was no indication today at U.S. District Court that Vick would enter a plea before the new charges are filed, perhaps as early as next week.
The offenses are punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although federal sentencing guidelines likely would call for less.
With his NFL career in jeopardy and a superseding indictment adding more charges in the works, Vick and his attorneys have been talking with federal prosecutors about a possible plea agreement.
Any outcome that ties the 27-year-old Vick to betting on the dogfights could trigger a lifetime ban from the NFL under the league's personal conduct policy. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has barred Vick from the Falcons' training camp but has withheld further action while the NFL conducts its own investigation.
Goodell said Thursday the league hasn't been monitoring Vick's plea negotiations.
A statement of facts signed by Taylor as part of his plea agreement placed Vick at the scene of several dogfights and linked him to betting. Taylor said Vick financed virtually all the "Bad Newz Kennels" operation on Vick's property in Surry County.
The case began with a search in April that turned up dozens of pit bulls and an assortment of dogfighting paraphernalia at the property a few miles northwest of Vick's hometown of Newport News. According to the July 17 indictment, dogs that lost fights or fared poorly in test fights were sometimes executed by hanging, electrocution or other means.
By LARRY O'DELL
Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. — Two of Michael Vick's alleged cohorts in a dogfighting enterprise entered guilty pleas today, leaving the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback to make his own deal or face a trial on the federal charges.
With his NFL career in jeopardy and superseding indictment adding more charges in the works, Vick and his lawyers have been talking with federal prosecutors about a possible plea agreement.
But there was no indication today at U.S. District Court that Vick would enter a plea before the new charges are filed, perhaps as early as next week.
The offenses are punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although federal sentencing guidelines likely would call for less.
With his NFL career in jeopardy and a superseding indictment adding more charges in the works, Vick and his attorneys have been talking with federal prosecutors about a possible plea agreement.
Any outcome that ties the 27-year-old Vick to betting on the dogfights could trigger a lifetime ban from the NFL under the league's personal conduct policy. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has barred Vick from the Falcons' training camp but has withheld further action while the NFL conducts its own investigation.
Goodell said Thursday the league hasn't been monitoring Vick's plea negotiations.
A statement of facts signed by Taylor as part of his plea agreement placed Vick at the scene of several dogfights and linked him to betting. Taylor said Vick financed virtually all the "Bad Newz Kennels" operation on Vick's property in Surry County.
The case began with a search in April that turned up dozens of pit bulls and an assortment of dogfighting paraphernalia at the property a few miles northwest of Vick's hometown of Newport News. According to the July 17 indictment, dogs that lost fights or fared poorly in test fights were sometimes executed by hanging, electrocution or other means.