NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – The two co-defendants in former Saint Darren Sharper’s drug and sexual assault case have gone their separate ways. Erik Nunez agreed to a plea deal Monday while Brandon Licciardi will stand trial. Jury selection began Monday morning for Licciardi.
The two have always appeared in could together.
Nunez pleaded guilty to one count to conspiracy to distribute drugs with the intention of committing a crime or violence sexual battery. Per the deal, Nunez will accept a ten-year prison sentence and will cooperate with the government, testifying if he needed.
However, the deal could still be rejected by the judge. WGNO Anchor Jacki Jing, says Judge Jane Triche Milazzo has until October 13, to decide to accept the agreement. She can also sentence Nunez to up to 20 years in prison. Nunez has the option to withdraw his deal.
Jury selection for both Nunez and Licciardi were supposed to start Monday.
Darren Sharper accepted a plea deal in March after Judge Milazzo refused to sign off on the original plea agreement in February. Sharper is expected to be sentenced on August 18.