Emoni Bates Will Be Reinstated Following Plea Deal & Dismissal Of Felony Charge

Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Joe Rondone / USA TODAY NETWORK

Felony charges against Memphis’ Emoni Bates will reportedly be dismissed because a plea deal was reached in his case, according to Bates’s lawyer Steve Haney. The lawyer says that Bates is not only scheduled to have his felony charge removed before a circuit court in Washtenaw County, but he is also in the midst of being reinstated by the school, the president and the athletic department.

The deal reportedly involves Bates entering a guilty plea to one misdemeanor count of attempted illegal transportation of a weapon. Additionally, Bates will be required to complete a diversion program.

“I’m very pleased this matter has been resolved so Emoni can get back to school and join his teammates,” Haney said. The university released an official statement confirming the reports.

“The Eastern Michigan University department of athletics has received notification that there is an agreement between the Washtenaw County prosecutor’s office and Emoni Bates’ defense team that would result in the felony charges being dismissed. In accordance with EMU athletics policies, Mr. Bates is immediately reinstated to all athletic and campus activities.”

Bates’ arrest happened approximately two miles away from Eastern Michigan campus, after Sheriff’s deputies reportedly found a firearm inside of the vehicle he was driving in. Public Information Officer Derrick Jackson told ESPN about the events that led to Bates’ arrest. According to Jackson, police officers “initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle which failed to stop” at an intersection. Bates was arraigned on Monday after being charged with carrying a concealed weapon and allegedly “altering ID marks” on a firearm.

ESPN has more HERE.

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