A Waterloo man won’t be able to take back his plea for hitting and killing a bicyclist in 2019.
L.A. Jefferson Jr., 46, entered an Alford plea – not admitting guilt but opting to take advantage of a plea offer – to charges of homicide by vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident and operating while intoxicated in August as court officials were picking a jury for his trial.
The deal with prosecutors was for a sentence of up to 14 years in prison instead of facing a charge that carry up to 25 years behind bars.
A short time later, Jefferson – who had been acting as his own attorney – moved to take back the plea, arguing he decided to plead because he was under duress and didn’t have enough time to prepare for trial.
The matter was ultimately passed to another judge.