NEW ORLEANS - A Louisiana co-defendant of former NFL star Darren Sharper in Louisiana-based sexual assault cases has pleaded not guilty in federal court.
Brandon Licciardi faces multiple charges in the federal case. They include allegations that he and Sharper intended to commit rape when they distributed drugs to women. Licciardi also is accused of trying to obstruct the investigation and persuade a witness not to provide information.
He appeared briefly before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Sally Shushan to enter his not-guilty plea. He and Sharper also face state charges.
Sharper has entered pleas of no contest or guilty in three other states where he was charged with drugging and sexually assaulting women. He's expected to enter pleas in state and federal courts in New Orleans in the coming weeks.