Clemens Risked Jail When He Rejected Plea Offer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Roger Clemens rejected a plea deal that would have spared him prison time. Instead, he risked his freedom by going to trial.
Clemens lawyer Rusty Hardin says in a telephone interview that prosecutors offered to let the former pitcher plead guilty to one count of lying to Congress when he denied using human growth hormone. In exchange, Clemens would have received probation.
It's been known that Clemens rejected a plea, of undisclosed scope, in December 2009. The following year, he was indicted on six counts for allegedly lying to Congress. A jury acquitted him Monday on all counts.
Under U.S. sentencing guidelines, Clemens probably would have faced up to 15 months to 21 months in prison if convicted.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia declined comment.
(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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