In a turn of events, the man accused of killing a Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Deputy has decided to change his plea to guilty.
Wesley Correa-Carmenaty's lawyers filed the paperwork to change his plea on Wednesday. The 24 year old had previously pleaded not guilty to the twelve charges he faces.
In a statement, Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilbur said no changes would be made to the charges Correa-Carmenaty faces. "The Defendant will remain in custody at the Woodbury County Jail until the hearing. There has been no plea bargain offered in this case, no charges have been dismissed, and no charges are being amended."
The statement also states that instead of Correa-Carmenaty's trial starting on August 15th, as previously scheduled, his appearance will now be a "change of plea" hearing.
Correa-Carmenaty is accused of a laundry list of charges linked to his May 1st escape from the Pottawattamie County Jail that wounded Deputy Pat Morgan and killed Deputy Mark Burbridge.
The complete list of charges is as follows:
- Murder in the First Degree of Deputy Mark Burbridge, a Class A Felony (life in prison)
- Kidnapping in the Second Degree against Amy Kanger, a Class B Felony (25 years)
- Attempt to Commit Murder against Deputy Pat Morgan, a Class B Felony (25 years)
- Attempt to Commit Murder against Jerry Brittain, a Class B Felony (25 years)
- Robbery in the First Degree against Deputy Mark Burbridge and Deputy Pat Morgan, a Class B Felony (25 years)
- Robbery in the First Degree against Jerry Brittain, a Class B Felony (25 years)
- Robbery in the First Degree against Amy Kanger, a Class B Felony (25 years)
- Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon against Jerry Brittain and Kelsey Bridges, a Class C Felony (10 years)
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm, a Class D Felony (5 years)
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm, a Class D Felony (5 years)
- Escape, a Class D Felony (5 years)
- Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, a Class C Felony (10 years).
(Photo courtesy of WOWT 6 News)