Mixed martial arts fighter and Tucson resident Michael "Iron Mike" Whitehead was sentenced to prison for felony attempted sexual assault in Nevada, reports the Associated Press.
Whitehead originally faced charges of four counts of sex assault, attempted sex assault and lewdness, but he pleaded the equivalent of no contest last September in a deal with prosecutors in order to avoid trial, according to the Associated Press.
Typically, prosecutors will enter into a plea bargain with the defendant in order to assure a conviction. Conversely, defendants will agree to the deal in order to get a lighter sentence and possibly avoid trial.
The charges stem from separate incidents in which Whitehead allegedly attacked a 32-year-old woman while she slept and groped a 28-year-old woman at his home following a party.
In addition to his one-to-four year prison sentence, Whitehead must also register as a sex offender and pay restitution. Whitehead was reportedly sobbing following his sentencing hearing on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
If Whitehead had committed the crimes in Arizona, he would have been charged with a class 2 felony, which is punishable by a maximum of 14 years in prison.
Previously with Ultimate Fighting Championship, Michael “Iron Mike” Whitehead was released and fighting under Strikeforce at the time of his arrest, according to fighters.com.
If you have been charged with the crimes of sexual assault or lewdness, you should consider speaking with an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney. They can assess your case and, if necessary, enter into plea bargain discussions with prosecutors.
For more information on plea bargaining, see our Related Resources section.
Related Resources:
- Find a Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney (FindLaw)
- Plea Bargain Pros and Cons (FindLaw)
- Arrest Made in Tucson Sexual Assault Case of 93-Year-Old Victim (Phoenix Criminal Law News)
ShareThis
