Two of the remaining co-defendants in the Michael Vick case pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges Friday in Richmond, Va.
Purnell Peace, 35, and Quanis Phillips, 28, entered plea agreements on charges of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal-fighting venture.
Purnell Peace is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 30 after pleading guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges.
(Steve Helber/Associated Press)
The offences are punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 US fine, although federal sentencing guidelines likely would call for less.
While Peace was freed, Phillips violated the terms of his release by failing a drug test and was taken into custody of U.S. marshals.
Both are scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 30.
Both Peace and Phillips allege in their statements that Vick funded the dogfighting gambling ring.
The signed statement of Phillips alleged that the trio were all involved in the killing of eight dogs that didn't perform well in fights and some of the dogs were drowned or hanged.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Vick's attorneys were negotiating with prosecutors as of late afternoon, trying to hammer out a plea deal.
"It's just very sad," Blank said. "It's sad that those allegations exist and now they are confirmed by others. It's sad that Michael has put himself into that kind of situation. It's his responsibility for putting himself into that situation."
There was no indication Friday in U.S. District Court that Vick would enter a plea before the new charges are filed, perhaps as early as next week.
Vick, who set a National Football League record for quarterbacks last season by rushing for 1,039 yards, is hoping to strike a deal on a plea agreement. Along with his lawyers, Vick was still negotiating with federal prosecutors Thursday.
The three-time Pro Bowler has been barred from training camp with the Atlanta Falcons and is scheduled to go to trial Nov. 26 in Richmond.
In July, Tony Taylor pleaded guilty to his role in the dogfighting ring he alleges was financed almost entirely by Vick.
Taylor said he was not promised any specific sentence in return for his co-operation with the government, and will be sentenced Dec. 14.
With files from the Associated PressRelated
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