Former New Mexico State University basketball player, Kerry Watkins, has agreed to a plea deal in a sexual assault case. The incident took place in 2014 when Watkins, who was a freshman at the time, was accused of sexually assaulting a female student in his dorm room.
The victim reported the incident to campus authorities, leading to Watkins being charged with three counts of criminal sexual penetration. Watkins denied the allegations and the case went to trial, but ended in a mistrial in February 2015 due to a hung jury.
After years of legal battles, Watkins has now agreed to plead no contest to charges of criminal sexual penetration and aggravated battery. As part of the plea deal, Watkins will serve five years of supervised probation and undergo sex offender treatment. He must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Watkins, who was a promising basketball player with a bright future ahead of him, has since been dismissed from the New Mexico State basketball team and transferred to another school. The case has caused controversy and divided opinions among the community, with some supporting Watkins and questioning the validity of the accusations, while others have expressed support for the victim and believe justice is being served.
This plea deal brings closure to a long and difficult legal process for both Watkins and the victim. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and holding individuals accountable for sexual assault allegations, regardless of their background or standing in the community. The victim’s bravery in coming forward and seeking justice in this case is commendable, and serves as an example for others in similar situations.
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