Falcons' James Pearce offered intervention program to avoid trial

Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. agreed Thursday to enter an intervention program, allowing him to avoid trial on felony charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, along with misdemeanor stalking, his attorney said.

Pearce's attorney, Yale Sanford, told ESPN that Pearce must stay away from his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, and participate in therapy as part of the stipulations of the six-month intervention program, which is run by an outside third party.

Pearce was not present in the courtroom but attended the hearing via videoconference. He is scheduled to appear in Miami-Dade County Court on May 7 to finalize details. Florida law allows for the police officers and the victim -- Jackson in this case -- to be consulted before the deal is finalized.

Assistant state attorney Andres Perez, the prosecutor, conferred with Jackson and law enforcement officers and "all parties consented" that pretrial intervention was "the best way forward," per state attorney spokesperson Ed Griffith.



https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48570748/falcons-james-pearce-jr-enters-intervention-program-avoids-trial