Vick co-defendant pleads guilty - DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate

**nerkvcbtre** · 07-30-2007, 04:49 PM

This can't be good for Vick:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2954244

RICHMOND, Va. -- One of Michael Vick's co-defendants pleaded guilty Monday to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges in a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Tony Taylor, 34, who will be sentenced Dec. 14, said he was not promised any specific sentence in return for his cooperation with the government.
Taylor faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, but likely will get less under federal sentencing guidelines. The guideline range will be determined by court officials, and U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson can depart from that range if he finds aggravating or mitigating circumstances.
"You're pleading guilty and taking your chances, right?" Hudson asked Taylor.
He responded, "Yes."
Taylor had the same answer when Hudson asked: "You have agreed to cooperate fully with the United States, is that right?"
Taylor, of Hampton, entered his plea to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.
Vick, the star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, and two other co-defendants pleaded not guilty last week to the same charges.
Taylor and his attorney, Stephen A. Hudgins of Newport News, refused to answer reporters' questions as they left the federal courthouse after the 15-minute hearing.
Prosecutors claimed in a July 17 indictment that Taylor found the Surry County property that Vick purchased and used as the site of "Bad Newz Kennels," a dogfighting enterprise. Taylor also allegedly helped purchase pit bulls and killed at least two dogs that fared poorly in test fights.
According to the 18-page indictment, the dogfighting ring executed underperforming dogs by drowning, hanging and other brutal means. It alleges that the fights offered purses as high as $26,000.
The grisly details outlined in the indictment have fueled protests and public outrage against Vick. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has banned Vick from the Falcons' training camp while the league investigates.
Vick and Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach, and Quanis L. Phillips, 28, of Atlanta, are scheduled for trial Nov. 26. They remain free without bond.

**Blolover11** · 07-30-2007, 04:55 PM

I saw that too.

Not even a plea bargain? This guy's lawyer must be horrible, or the evidence against him is SO convincing that there's no chance.

I'm thinking videos.

Bad Newz.....

**prearpaccew** · 07-30-2007, 04:56 PM

Joey, Joey, Joey.

**Lilji** · 07-30-2007, 05:04 PM

I saw that too.

Not even a plea bargain? This guy's lawyer must be horrible, or the evidence against him is SO convincing that there's no chance.

I'm thinking videos.

Bad Newz.....

It's probably the strong evidence thing. It's probably a pretty safe bet that if Vick plays in the NFL again, he'll be retirement age.

**paulaglober** · 07-30-2007, 05:10 PM

It's probably the strong evidence thing. It's probably a pretty safe bet that if Vick plays in the NFL again, he'll be retirement age.

That's what I thought - the Feds know they have this guy lock stock and barrel. His lawyer says 'just plead guilty - you're done' - and maybe he testifies in hopes of a lighter sentence.

Maybe Vick and the others aren't on the videos, but this guy is. If so, it becomes a he-said, he-said argument, with all those testifying being dog-fighters......

**2CNWXAqN** · 07-30-2007, 05:11 PM

That's what I thought - the Feds know they have this guy lock stock and barrel. His lawyer says 'just plead guilty - you're done' - and maybe he testifies in hopes of a lighter sentence.

Maybe Vick and the others aren't on the videos, but this guy is. If so, it becomes a he-said, he-said argument, with all those testifying being dog-fighters......

I suspect that the feds had someone on the inside and that all of them are looking at an extended stay at the graybar hotel.

**GAGNAPPEAPH** · 07-30-2007, 05:14 PM

I suspect that the feds had someone on the inside and that all of them are looking at an extended stay at the graybar hotel.

No chance. This came about from a drug operation - feds had NO idea of it being a dogfighting ring. Doesn't make sense.

Maybe a stoolie turned for the feds. I seriously think that there's some tapes. It's the only solid evidence - maybe a tape of a fight, and this guy puts the losing dog down on the spot.

**ceagstuntee** · 07-30-2007, 05:17 PM

No chance. This came about from a drug operation - feds had NO idea of it being a dogfighting ring. Doesn't make sense.

Maybe a stoolie turned for the feds. I seriously think that there's some tapes. It's the only solid evidence - maybe a tape of a fight, and this guy puts the losing dog down on the spot.

With the way everyone has a phone that does videos these days, you may well be right. And if you are, I hope that video doesn't end up on youtube.

**TaliaJack** · 07-30-2007, 06:59 PM

I saw that too.

Not even a plea bargain? This guy's lawyer must be horrible, or the evidence against him is SO convincing that there's no chance.

I'm thinking videos.

Bad Newz.....

In the fed system sometimes its better to not have a plea agreement.

**appleiphoneees** · 07-30-2007, 07:01 PM

In the fed system sometimes its better to not have a plea agreement.

Why is that?

**Nptxsews** · 07-30-2007, 07:08 PM

Why is that?

It would depend on issues in the case. For one thing if you enter a plea agreement with the feds you agree that you will not appeal any issue other than an illegal sentence.

Plus, without a plea agreement the federal judge is going to sentence within the sentencing guidelines anyway, (at least in the 8th circuit) and if you cooperate the US attorney can still recommend a downward departure with or without a plea agreement.

**LianneForbess** · 07-30-2007, 07:11 PM

It would depend on issues in the case. For one thing if you enter a plea agreement with the feds you agree that you will not appeal any issue other than an illegal sentence.

Plus, without a plea agreement the federal judge is going to sentence within the sentencing guidelines anyway, (at least in the 8th circuit) and if you cooperate the US attorney can still recommend a downward departure with or without a plea agreement.

I was thinking of the plea bargain to a lesser charge - like from assault to reckless endangerment kind of thing.

**Rtebydou** · 07-30-2007, 07:12 PM

I was thinking of the plea bargain to a lesser charge - like from assault to reckless endangerment kind of thing.

The feds don't do that - at least not in my experience.

**TeemFilla** · 07-30-2007, 07:22 PM

The feds don't do that - at least not in my experience.

Here is now the feds work. They only charge a case that they are going to win, this is evident by their 97% conviction rate. They do not reduce charges. A plea agreement in the federal system means you agree to plead to the charge. This show an "acceptance of responsibility" which reduces the points total for the sentencing guidlines. The US attorney can also recommend a downward departure from the guidelines if the person "substantually cooperates.

This is only a guess, but my guess is this guy's rush to the courthouse to plead guilty is 1. He wants to be first in line for acceptance of responsibility. 2. He is a cooperating witness. 3. He will probably not be named in the additional counts in the superceding indictment.

**Fededorbprago** · 07-31-2007, 01:29 AM

supposedly this guy is going to testify that vick financed the operation.

**timgreyuvcz** · 07-31-2007, 01:39 AM

supposedly this guy is going to testify that vick financed the operation.

Wow it was Vick that put up the $100,000.00's to finance this and not the ghetto ass hoodrats he was running with?

Thats breaking news there...

Vick is sunk.

**craditc** · 07-31-2007, 01:33 PM

he is soooooo DEAD.

this is what you getting for beating the Pack at home in the playoffs and making me fight with stupid falcon fans you mutherF'er!

**Gaxiciverfere** · 07-31-2007, 04:30 PM

Why in the world would a guy who makes millions every year risk any of it to take part in something that could result in winnings "Up to $26,000.00"

Pennies compared to what he makes legally. What a dumb mother fucker.

**isopsmypovA** · 07-31-2007, 04:34 PM

Why in the world would a guy who makes millions every year risk any of it to take part in something that could result in winnings "Up to $26,000.00"

Pennies compared to what he makes legally. What a dumb mother fucker.

It had nothing to do with the money. It had to do with enjoying the "sport."

**secondmortgagek** · 07-31-2007, 04:42 PM

he is soooooo DEAD.

this is what you getting for beating the Pack at home in the playoffs and making me fight with stupid falcon fans you mutherF'er!

Vick's career has been down hill since that game.

Same goes for Culpepper, the other QB who won at lambeau in the playoffs.

07-30-2007, 04:49 PM	#1
nerkvcbtre Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 519 Senior Member	Vick co-defendant pleads guilty This can't be good for Vick: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2954244 RICHMOND, Va. -- One of Michael Vick's co-defendants pleaded guilty Monday to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges in a plea agreement with prosecutors. Tony Taylor, 34, who will be sentenced Dec. 14, said he was not promised any specific sentence in return for his cooperation with the government. Taylor faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, but likely will get less under federal sentencing guidelines. The guideline range will be determined by court officials, and U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson can depart from that range if he finds aggravating or mitigating circumstances. "You're pleading guilty and taking your chances, right?" Hudson asked Taylor. He responded, "Yes." Taylor had the same answer when Hudson asked: "You have agreed to cooperate fully with the United States, is that right?" Taylor, of Hampton, entered his plea to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. Vick, the star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, and two other co-defendants pleaded not guilty last week to the same charges. Taylor and his attorney, Stephen A. Hudgins of Newport News, refused to answer reporters' questions as they left the federal courthouse after the 15-minute hearing. Prosecutors claimed in a July 17 indictment that Taylor found the Surry County property that Vick purchased and used as the site of "Bad Newz Kennels," a dogfighting enterprise. Taylor also allegedly helped purchase pit bulls and killed at least two dogs that fared poorly in test fights. According to the 18-page indictment, the dogfighting ring executed underperforming dogs by drowning, hanging and other brutal means. It alleges that the fights offered purses as high as $26,000. The grisly details outlined in the indictment have fueled protests and public outrage against Vick. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has banned Vick from the Falcons' training camp while the league investigates. Vick and Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach, and Quanis L. Phillips, 28, of Atlanta, are scheduled for trial Nov. 26. They remain free without bond. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-30-2007, 04:55 PM	#2
Blolover11 Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 516 Senior Member	I saw that too. Not even a plea bargain? This guy's lawyer must be horrible, or the evidence against him is SO convincing that there's no chance. I'm thinking videos. Bad Newz..... Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-30-2007, 04:56 PM	#3
prearpaccew Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 466 Senior Member	Joey, Joey, Joey. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-30-2007, 05:04 PM	#4
Lilji Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 484 Senior Member	I saw that too. Not even a plea bargain? This guy's lawyer must be horrible, or the evidence against him is SO convincing that there's no chance. I'm thinking videos. Bad Newz..... It's probably the strong evidence thing. It's probably a pretty safe bet that if Vick plays in the NFL again, he'll be retirement age. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-30-2007, 05:10 PM	#5
paulaglober Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 357 Senior Member	It's probably the strong evidence thing. It's probably a pretty safe bet that if Vick plays in the NFL again, he'll be retirement age. That's what I thought - the Feds know they have this guy lock stock and barrel. His lawyer says 'just plead guilty - you're done' - and maybe he testifies in hopes of a lighter sentence. Maybe Vick and the others aren't on the videos, but this guy is. If so, it becomes a he-said, he-said argument, with all those testifying being dog-fighters...... Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-30-2007, 05:11 PM	#6
2CNWXAqN Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 467 Senior Member	That's what I thought - the Feds know they have this guy lock stock and barrel. His lawyer says 'just plead guilty - you're done' - and maybe he testifies in hopes of a lighter sentence. Maybe Vick and the others aren't on the videos, but this guy is. If so, it becomes a he-said, he-said argument, with all those testifying being dog-fighters...... I suspect that the feds had someone on the inside and that all of them are looking at an extended stay at the graybar hotel. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-30-2007, 05:14 PM	#7
GAGNAPPEAPH Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 350 Senior Member	I suspect that the feds had someone on the inside and that all of them are looking at an extended stay at the graybar hotel. No chance. This came about from a drug operation - feds had NO idea of it being a dogfighting ring. Doesn't make sense. Maybe a stoolie turned for the feds. I seriously think that there's some tapes. It's the only solid evidence - maybe a tape of a fight, and this guy puts the losing dog down on the spot. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-30-2007, 05:17 PM	#8
ceagstuntee Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 421 Senior Member	No chance. This came about from a drug operation - feds had NO idea of it being a dogfighting ring. Doesn't make sense. Maybe a stoolie turned for the feds. I seriously think that there's some tapes. It's the only solid evidence - maybe a tape of a fight, and this guy puts the losing dog down on the spot. With the way everyone has a phone that does videos these days, you may well be right. And if you are, I hope that video doesn't end up on youtube. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-30-2007, 06:59 PM	#9
TaliaJack Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 460 Senior Member	I saw that too. Not even a plea bargain? This guy's lawyer must be horrible, or the evidence against him is SO convincing that there's no chance. I'm thinking videos. Bad Newz..... In the fed system sometimes its better to not have a plea agreement. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-30-2007, 07:01 PM	#10
appleiphoneees Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 541 Senior Member	In the fed system sometimes its better to not have a plea agreement. Why is that? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-30-2007, 07:08 PM	#11
Nptxsews Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 427 Senior Member	Why is that? It would depend on issues in the case. For one thing if you enter a plea agreement with the feds you agree that you will not appeal any issue other than an illegal sentence. Plus, without a plea agreement the federal judge is going to sentence within the sentencing guidelines anyway, (at least in the 8th circuit) and if you cooperate the US attorney can still recommend a downward departure with or without a plea agreement. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-30-2007, 07:11 PM	#12
LianneForbess Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 528 Senior Member	It would depend on issues in the case. For one thing if you enter a plea agreement with the feds you agree that you will not appeal any issue other than an illegal sentence. Plus, without a plea agreement the federal judge is going to sentence within the sentencing guidelines anyway, (at least in the 8th circuit) and if you cooperate the US attorney can still recommend a downward departure with or without a plea agreement. I was thinking of the plea bargain to a lesser charge - like from assault to reckless endangerment kind of thing. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-30-2007, 07:12 PM	#13
Rtebydou Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 469 Senior Member	I was thinking of the plea bargain to a lesser charge - like from assault to reckless endangerment kind of thing. The feds don't do that - at least not in my experience. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-30-2007, 07:22 PM	#14
TeemFilla Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 491 Senior Member	The feds don't do that - at least not in my experience. Here is now the feds work. They only charge a case that they are going to win, this is evident by their 97% conviction rate. They do not reduce charges. A plea agreement in the federal system means you agree to plead to the charge. This show an "acceptance of responsibility" which reduces the points total for the sentencing guidlines. The US attorney can also recommend a downward departure from the guidelines if the person "substantually cooperates. This is only a guess, but my guess is this guy's rush to the courthouse to plead guilty is 1. He wants to be first in line for acceptance of responsibility. 2. He is a cooperating witness. 3. He will probably not be named in the additional counts in the superceding indictment. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-31-2007, 01:29 AM	#15
Fededorbprago Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 405 Senior Member	supposedly this guy is going to testify that vick financed the operation. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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07-31-2007, 01:39 AM	#16
timgreyuvcz Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 370 Senior Member	supposedly this guy is going to testify that vick financed the operation. Wow it was Vick that put up the $100,000.00's to finance this and not the ghetto ass hoodrats he was running with? Thats breaking news there... Vick is sunk. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-31-2007, 01:33 PM	#17
craditc Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 524 Senior Member	he is soooooo DEAD. this is what you getting for beating the Pack at home in the playoffs and making me fight with stupid falcon fans you mutherF'er! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-31-2007, 04:30 PM	#18
Gaxiciverfere Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 479 Senior Member	Why in the world would a guy who makes millions every year risk any of it to take part in something that could result in winnings "Up to $26,000.00" Pennies compared to what he makes legally. What a dumb mother fucker. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-31-2007, 04:34 PM	#19
isopsmypovA Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 493 Senior Member	Why in the world would a guy who makes millions every year risk any of it to take part in something that could result in winnings "Up to $26,000.00" Pennies compared to what he makes legally. What a dumb mother fucker. It had nothing to do with the money. It had to do with enjoying the "sport." Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-31-2007, 04:42 PM	#20
secondmortgagek Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 386 Senior Member	he is soooooo DEAD. this is what you getting for beating the Pack at home in the playoffs and making me fight with stupid falcon fans you mutherF'er! Vick's career has been down hill since that game. Same goes for Culpepper, the other QB who won at lambeau in the playoffs. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote