The Latest: Rape victims vent anger at Sharper’s accomplices

NEW ORLEANS – The Latest on the federal sentencing of former NFL star Darren Sharper’s accomplices in a drug and sexual assault case (all times local):

11:30 a.m.

The two Louisiana co-defendants in the drug and rape case that brought down one-time NFL star Darren Sharper have been formally sentenced to lengthy prison terms — after hearing blistering condemnations from two of their victims in open court.

Ex-sheriff’s deputy Brandon Licciardi (lih-CHAR’-dee) was sentenced Thursday to 17 years in federal prison; former restaurant worker Erik Nunez, 10 years. Both pleaded guilty to state and federal charges that they drugged and sexually assaulted women.

Both accomplices apologized. Licciardi haltingly told one victim, “I made a terrible decision to leave you in the hands of a monster,” an apparent reference to Sharper.

Sharper has pleaded guilty or no-contest to drug and sexual assault cases in Louisiana and three other states. He’s filed a federal appeal after being sentenced to 18 years.

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9 a.m.

The two Louisiana co-defendants in the drug and rape case that brought down one-time NFL star Darren Sharper are set for sentencing in federal court in New Orleans.

Erik Nunez, a former restaurant worker, and Brandon Licciardi (lih-CHAR-dee) a former suburban sheriff’s deputy, pleaded guilty to state and federal charges earlier this year. Formal sentencing is set Thursday morning.

The case arose from revelations that Sharper drugged and raped women in four states.

Sharper was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison after pleading guilty.

Like Sharper, Licciardi and Nunez pleaded guilty to state and federal charges in the case. Their plea agreements with state and federal prosecutors calls for Licciardi to serve 17 years; with Nunez serving 10 years. Both men face formal sentencing in state court next week.