Federal court hearing set on Sharper's latest plea deal

NEW ORLEANS (AP) A federal court hearing is scheduled for former NFL star Darren Sharper, who has pleaded guilty or no-contest to charges involving the drugging and rape of women in four states.

Tuesday's hearing in New Orleans is the first for Sharper since he decided to maintain his guilty plea in U.S. District Court after a judge rejected a deal that would have meant as little as nine years in prison.

Attorneys said earlier this month that a new agreement had been reached.

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo on Feb. 18 rejected the nine-year sentence and noted sentencing guidelines calling for a sentence in the range of 15 to 20 years.

Sharper might still be able to reduce that by cooperating in the case against two co-defendants.

Sharper had been accused in Louisiana, Arizona, California and Nevada.