Sharper co-defendants plead not guilty to latest indictment

Published Nov. 4, 2015 5:05 p.m. ET

foxsports

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Two co-defendants of Darren Sharper have entered not guilty pleas to the latest federal charges arising from the drug and sexual assault case involving the former NFL star.

Erik Nunez and former St. Bernard Parish sheriff's deputy Brandon Licciardi (lih-CHAR'-dee) entered the pleas Wednesday.

A revised federal indictment filed last month charges Licciardi with crimes including witness tampering and the distribution of drugs with intent to commit rape.

Nunez faces charges that he tampered with evidence and that he, too, distributed drugs intending to commit rape. The men face related charges in Louisiana state court.

Sharper, who was part of the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl team, has pleaded guilty or no contest to criminal charges in four states, all arising from accusations that he drugged and raped women.