Former New Mexico State Basketball Player Reaches Plea Deal in Shocking Sexual Assault Case
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The fallout from the disturbing allegations surrounding the New Mexico State basketball program continues to make waves, as a former player has agreed to a plea deal in a sexual assault case that rocked the team and led to the shutdown of its 2022-23 season.
Kim Aiken Jr., a former Aggie, made headlines Tuesday when he agreed to plead guilty to two felony counts of false imprisonment and one count of conspiracy to commit false imprisonment. This plea deal is a significant development in a case that has already seen multiple players face serious charges and has left a dark cloud over the program.
As part of the agreement, Aiken has committed to testifying against another former teammate, Deshawndre Washington, whose trial is scheduled for February. If the plea deal holds, Aiken will avoid prison time and instead serve 4 1/2 years of probation. This is a stark contrast to the original charges he faced—11 crimes that carried a potential sentence of up to 24 years in prison.
Another Player Cooperates in Exchange for Leniency
Aiken isn’t the only player to strike a deal in this case. Just two months ago, another teammate, Doctor Bradley, also agreed to testify against Washington. In exchange, Bradley pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. If he cooperates fully, he will receive probation, avoiding what could have been a sentence of up to 27 years in prison.
Washington, the central figure in the case, faces charges that also carry a maximum sentence of 27 years in prison. His trial will undoubtedly be closely watched, as it could bring further clarity to the events that led to the team’s implosion.
Disturbing Allegations and Civil Lawsuits
The allegations against the players are nothing short of horrifying. Separate civil lawsuits filed in connection with the case described a so-called “humbling” ritual. According to these lawsuits, the defendants would forcibly pull down the victims’ pants and, in some instances, grab their genitals. These allegations align with findings from the school’s Title IX investigation, which also implicated the same players.
The criminal indictments provided even more chilling details. They described incidents in 2022 in which the defendants allegedly held younger players and student staff against their will while subjecting them to violent and degrading acts. Specifically, the indictments accused the players of forcefully restraining their victims and grabbing their genital areas in multiple episodes.
Massive Settlement for Victims
The fallout from these allegations has been both legal and financial for New Mexico State. Last year, the school agreed to pay $8 million to settle a lawsuit brought by two of the victims, former players Deuce Benjamin and Shak Odunewu. These two brave individuals went public with their stories, shedding light on the abuse they endured and sparking a broader conversation about accountability within college athletics.
Key Takeaways from the Case
Here’s a quick breakdown of the major developments in this case so far:
- Kim Aiken Jr. has pleaded guilty to two felony counts of false imprisonment and one count of conspiracy to commit false imprisonment. He will serve 4 1/2 years of probation if the deal holds.
- Doctor Bradley pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and will also receive probation if he cooperates fully.
- Deshawndre Washington faces trial in February and could face up to 27 years in prison if convicted.
- The school paid $8 million to settle a lawsuit with two victims, Deuce Benjamin and Shak Odunewu.
What’s Next for New Mexico State?
The New Mexico State basketball program has been left in shambles following these revelations. The 2022-23 season was shut down entirely, a rare and drastic move that underscores the severity of the situation. While the program will undoubtedly try to rebuild, the stain of these allegations will not be easily erased.
For the victims, the plea deals and settlements may provide some measure of justice, but the emotional scars from such traumatic experiences are not so easily healed. As for the players who have agreed to testify, their cooperation will likely play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of Washington’s trial.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of accountability and oversight in college athletics. It’s a story that has shocked the sports world and will continue to unfold in the months ahead.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
