One of the four suspects in the Oct. 8 robbery of two University students has plea bargained while another has had his trial delayed.
Victor M. Porter, 20, pleaded guilty to a first-degree burglary charge last week. In exchange, he will have multiple charges of aiding and abetting criminal sexual conduct dropped if he testifies “truthfully and accurately” in the trials of three other men accused in the incident, Hennepin County attorney Anne Taylor said.
The trial of Puiassance Andersen, one of the other three men involved in the incident, was set to begin this week. However, a continuance was granted so the state could get results of DNA tests performed on evidence. The trial is now scheduled to begin March 10.
Porter, Andersen, his brother Giezwa Andersen and Antonio Burton face charges stemming from the incident.
The four men are accused of breaking into the apartment of three female University students. Two of the women were allegedly raped, and a car, a television, a stereo and jewelry were stolen.
Burton and Puiassance Andersen were arrested in Eau Claire on Oct. 9 while driving a car owned by one of the three women. After a chase involving speeds in excess of 100 mph, police searched the car and found items linked to the crime. They were extradited from Eau Claire in early November.
According to criminal complaints, witnesses heard Burton brag about the assault when he saw the crime profiled on the late-night news.
Burton and Puiassance Andersen face 11 counts of aiding and abetting criminal sexual conduct. Giezwa Andersen faces three counts of aiding and abetting criminal sexual conduct and one count of receiving stolen goods.
Porter’s sentencing will occur May 5. He is expected to face one year in the Hennepin County Workhouse.
Taylor could not comment regarding whether any of the other three men charged with the crime will plea bargain.