Arraignment scheduled for Friday for Sharper co-defendant

NEW ORLEANS (AP) A Louisiana co-defendant of former NFL star Darren Sharper in Louisiana-based sexual assault cases is set to go before a federal judge.

Brandon Licciardi (lih-CHAR'-dee) faces multiple charges in the federal case. They include allegations that he and Sharper distributed drugs to women, intending to commit rape. His federal court arraignment is set for Friday morning.

Licciardi also is accused of trying to obstruct the investigation and persuade a witness not to provide information.

Sharper has entered pleas of no contest or guilty in three other states where he was charged with drugging and sexually assaulting women. He's expected to enter pleas in state and federal court in New Orleans in the coming weeks under a multi-jurisdiction deal that will keep him imprisoned for at least nine more years.