Four days house arrest. Forty-eight hours of community service. A $500 fine, and a year of probation.
That more or less sums up the penalty Jon Jones will pay for his most recent transgression, which included charges of DWI and negligent use of a firearm, among others. Jones was arrested earlier this month in Albuquerque, New Mexico and taken into custody after being found intoxicated inside a vehicle by officers responding to a call reporting shots fired. While Jones denied being behind said gunshots, a loaded handgun was found in his vehicle.
On Tuesday, Bernalillo County District Attorney Director of Communications Michael Patrick confirmed to Cageside Press that Jones had accepted a plea deal.
The full list of stipulations accepted by Jones includes:
- Defendant shall turn himself in within the next 90 days to serve a jail term of 96 consecutive hours to be served on the Community Custody Program;
- Defendant shall complete 48 hours of community service;
- Defendant shall pay a fine of $500.00;
- Defendant shall participate in and complete, prior to the term of probation expiring, a ninety (90) day outpatient treatment program, due to the current COVID-19 situation, telemedicine treatment shall be permitted;
- Defendant shall have an interlock ignition device install onto any vehicle he operates;
- Defendant shall be on supervised probation for a period of one (1) year; and
- Probation shall permit the use of medical marijuana so long as the Defendant has a valid medical card.
“Normally, the State would be requesting a pre sentencing report and a recommendation to Substance Recovery Court,” Patrick said in a statement provided to Cageside Press, “however due to COVID-19 it is not clear the program can accept anyone at this time. It is also the reason that we are agreeing to the 4 days on CCP with 90 days for turn-in (the metropolitan jail just reported a new case of COVID-19). Jones is still required to complete a minimum of 90 day out-patient treatment, maximum fines and fees, community service and all other requirements of reporting to probation. His attorney and Mr. Jones have been made aware that if he fails to do this, the State will seek to impose the balance of any jail time without regard for any exceptional circumstances.”
The relatively quick turnaround is a bit of a surprise, but accepting a plea deal likely explains that, at least in part. In exchange for his plea, charges of Open Container (1st Offense), No Proof of Insurance, and Negligent Use of Deadly Weapon (Intoxicated) have been dismissed. In addition, “any additional charges that may have stemmed from this incident” will not be filed against Jones.
Jon Jones has subsequently released a statement via his management team, First Round Management.
“While we all work to understand and cope with stress and uncertainties surrounding the current state of our world, I want to express how truly disappointed I am that I have become the source of a negative headline again, especially during these trying times,” Jones said (via MMA Junkie). “I am disappointed for letting down the people I care about the most – my family, friends and my fans. This morning I entered into a plea deal with the Albuquerque DA’s office. I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I know that I have some personal work to do to which involves the unhealthy relationship I have with alcohol.
“I have dedicated so much time and energy to improve my community, and I will not allow this personal setback to hinder my work within the community when we need it most. I truly appreciate the support I have received from the community of Albuquerque and all my fans around the world. I very much look forward to putting this behind me. Thank you all for your continued love and support and please take care of yourselves.”
