and so is the original sheriff "investigating" the crime. It is being reported that Vick is negotiating a plea deal and it isn't because he is innocent. Story below.
Source: Jeremy Redmon, Bill Rankin, Atlanta Journal Constitution
Sources with knowledge of the case against Falcons QB
Michael Vick say that Vick is likely to plead guilty sometime this week. Vick, who could be facing an additional indictment which includes racketeering charges, has not officially made his decision in part because he's not sure what effect it will have on his NFL career. Currently Vick is charged with a single count of conspiracy to cross state lines to engage in illegal gambling; sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture; and buy, transport and receive dogs for animal fighting. The maximum penalty for the conspiracy charge is five years in prison.
If Vick pleads guilty, he likely would serve no more than a year in jail, according to federal guidelines. If the conspiracy charges are dropped, allowing him to only admit a role in the dogfighting offenses (misdemeanors) he could face even less time.
Vick's legal team not only must negotiate with the U.S. Attorney's Office, but with the NFL as well. If Vick cannot secure a deal that saves his NFL career, he could decide to go to trial, risking a lengthy prison sentence if he is convicted.
