Dharun Ravi Rejects Plea Deal In Rutgers Spycam Case; February Trial Date Set
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The former Rutgers student accused of using a webcam to spy on his roommate's intimate encounter with another man has rejected a plea deal .
Dharun Ravi would've spent more than five years in prison under the deal.
Ravi faces 15 charges, including bias intimidation and invasion of privacy, for the September 2010 incident. Those charges could land Ravi in prison for 10 years, if convicted.
Ravi's roommate Tyler Clementi killed himself days after learning his encounter with another man, identified in court papers as "M.B.," was broadcast on the web.
The judge ruled that the M.B.'s real name may be given to the defense, but may not be disseminated to anyone besides defendant Dharun Ravi, his lawyer and his lawyer's investigator.
WCBS 880's Levon Putney On The Judge's Order
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Ravi's defense lawyer wanted the roommate's name divulged. A judge last month ruled that it should be, but delayed the deadline after a lawyer spoke up for the man, identified only in court papers as M.B.
In court papers, the man pleads for privacy, saying he has "continuous and overwhelming" fears of having his privacy invaded if his name is disclosed.
A prosecutor says she may appeal Thursday's ruling.
Should the intimate roommate's identity be revealed? Sound off in our comments section below…
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