ADEL, Iowa — Former University of Iowa basketball standout Pierre Pierce could spend up to two years in prison as a result of a sentence handed down today in an assault on a former girlfriend last January.
Pierce pleaded guilty in August to third-degree burglary, assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, false imprisonment and fourth-degree criminal mischief.
While Pierce received a suspended prison sentence and probation on the burglary charge, Judge Gregory Hulse rejected a defense request to suspend the sentences on the other charges. Hulse also denied a request for a deferred judgment.
``To do so would seriously depreciate the seriousness of these offenses. The defendant is in need of correctional assistance, which can most effectively be provided by confinement,'' Hulse said.
Hulse ordered Pierce to serve two years in prison on the assault with intent to commit sexual abuse charge and one year each on the false imprisonment and criminal mischief charges. He ordered the sentences be served concurrently, meaning Pierce's sentence will amount to two years.
Prison spokesman Fred Scaletta, who testified during today's hearing, said with good time provisions, Pierce could be released in less than a year.
Pierce also will be required to register as a convicted sex offender.
After he was sentenced, Pierce wept and hugged his parents and relatives. He was escorted from the courtroom in handcuffs.
The charges were filed after police began investigating Pierce's role in a Jan. 27 domestic disturbance a the West Des Moines home of a former girlfriend. Police were called to the apartment and in reports accused Pierce of threatening the woman, taking off some of her clothing, reaching into her vehicle and taking and damaging her personal property.
Days after police confirmed Pierce was the focus of their investigation, University of Iowa basketball coach Steve Alford dismissed Pierce from the team. At the time, Pierce was the Hawkeyes' leading scorer, best defender and one of three team captains.
Pierce's trial was set to begin in August, but attorneys reached a plea agreement during jury selection.
The victim wept as she gave a statement during the hearing, saying Pierce needs to learn from his mistakes.
``He's never learned from his mistakes because he's never been punished. I fight every day to gain back the things Pierre has taken from me,'' she said.
Pierce pleaded guilty in August to third-degree burglary, assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, false imprisonment and fourth-degree criminal mischief.
While Pierce received a suspended prison sentence and probation on the burglary charge, Judge Gregory Hulse rejected a defense request to suspend the sentences on the other charges. Hulse also denied a request for a deferred judgment.
``To do so would seriously depreciate the seriousness of these offenses. The defendant is in need of correctional assistance, which can most effectively be provided by confinement,'' Hulse said.
Hulse ordered Pierce to serve two years in prison on the assault with intent to commit sexual abuse charge and one year each on the false imprisonment and criminal mischief charges. He ordered the sentences be served concurrently, meaning Pierce's sentence will amount to two years.
Prison spokesman Fred Scaletta, who testified during today's hearing, said with good time provisions, Pierce could be released in less than a year.
Pierce also will be required to register as a convicted sex offender.
After he was sentenced, Pierce wept and hugged his parents and relatives. He was escorted from the courtroom in handcuffs.
The charges were filed after police began investigating Pierce's role in a Jan. 27 domestic disturbance a the West Des Moines home of a former girlfriend. Police were called to the apartment and in reports accused Pierce of threatening the woman, taking off some of her clothing, reaching into her vehicle and taking and damaging her personal property.
Days after police confirmed Pierce was the focus of their investigation, University of Iowa basketball coach Steve Alford dismissed Pierce from the team. At the time, Pierce was the Hawkeyes' leading scorer, best defender and one of three team captains.
Pierce's trial was set to begin in August, but attorneys reached a plea agreement during jury selection.
The victim wept as she gave a statement during the hearing, saying Pierce needs to learn from his mistakes.
``He's never learned from his mistakes because he's never been punished. I fight every day to gain back the things Pierre has taken from me,'' she said.
