For allegedly committing a crime that went right to the core of the Auburn community, Harvey Updyke was reportedly offered a punishment that might as well have been death by electric chair or firing squad.
According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Updyke, who is accused of poisoning the trees at Toomer’s Corner, was offered a plea from prosecutors earlier this month that would sentence him to 13 years in prison and banish him from Crimson Tide sporting events for the rest of his life.
Naturally, Updyke turned down the plea offer.
Updyke was seen at the BCS championship game in New Orleans earlier this month.
Updyke’s trial is set for March 5. Earlier this week, Updyke’s lawyer, Everett Wess, requested a change of venue and delay of trial, both of which are under review. Wess also asked Lee County Circuit Court judge Jacob Walker to be removed from the case; that request has been denied.
Updyke is charged with two felony counts of first-degree criminal mischief, two felony counts for unlawful damage, vandalism or theft of property from a farm animal or crop facility and two misdemeanor counts of desecrating a venerated object. He could face up to 10 years in prison for each felony charge and up to one year for each misdemeanor.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
UPDATED 10:00 p.m. ET: In reaction to Schlabach’s report, Wess said tonight that prosecutors have not offered any plea deals with Updyke since he became the head attorney on the case in October of last year.