A man initially accused of 14 counts of sexual assault pleaded guilty to amended charges Thursday in Fifth Circuit Judge Randal Valenciano’s courtroom. Phillip Acob was indicted by a grand jury April 16, 2007, on felony charges, including four counts
A man initially accused of 14 counts of sexual assault pleaded guilty to amended charges Thursday in Fifth Circuit Judge Randal Valenciano’s courtroom.
Phillip Acob was indicted by a grand jury April 16, 2007, on felony charges, including four counts of first-degree sexual assault, one count of attempted first-degree sexual assault, one count of second-degree sexual assault and eight counts of third-degree sexual assault. Acob was also charged with four counts of misdemeanor fourth-degree sexual assault.
The state dropped 10 charges against Acob to get the guilty plea.
Former First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer Winn had originally handled the case, but as she is no longer with that office Deputy Prosecutor Lila Kanae and defense counsel William Feldhacker brokered the deal.
According to court documents, Acob pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of one count of second-degree sexual assault, one count of third-degree sexual assault and two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault.
Acob could still face up to 20 years imprisonment for the first amended charge of second-degree sexual assault and up to 10 years in prison for third-degree sexual assault, but would no longer face a mandatory-minimum term behind bars.
Kanae also recommended Acob not be sentenced to consecutive or extended imprisonment terms and that Acob pay restitution to the victim on all 14 counts.
Valenciano ordered a diagnostic report before Acob’s next scheduled court appearance, which is for sentencing at 8 a.m. on April 3.
