The Criminal History of Darren Sharper: A Timeline of Convictions

Former NFL safety Darren Sharper is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence following his 2015 conviction for a multi-state series of sexual assaults. The former Pro Bowler admitted to drugging and raping multiple women across four states—Louisiana, Arizona, California, and Nevada—between 2013 and 2014. His case remains one of the most prominent instances of a professional athlete facing long-term incarceration for violent crimes against women.

Legal Proceedings and Guilty Pleas

Darren Sharper’s legal downfall began in early 2014 when he was arrested in Los Angeles. According to reports from NPR, the investigation quickly expanded as authorities discovered a pattern of behavior involving the use of sedative drugs to incapacitate victims. In 2015, Sharper entered a plea agreement in federal court, admitting to the rape of nine women, though police investigations suggested the total number of victims could be higher.

The sentencing process was complex due to the multi-jurisdictional nature of the crimes. In August 2016, a federal judge in New Orleans sentenced Sharper to 18 years and four months in prison, which was later adjusted through plea deals across state lines. The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that his federal sentence was part of a global resolution intended to cover the various state-level charges he faced.

The Role of Law Enforcement Investigations

The investigation into Sharper’s actions drew significant scrutiny regarding the conduct of local authorities. Reports from the Times-Picayune highlighted that a former New Orleans police officer, Reginald Jackson, was implicated in helping Sharper evade early suspicion. Jackson was later convicted for his role in assisting Sharper, specifically regarding the handling of evidence and communication with the former athlete during the early stages of the investigation.

Impact on the NFL and Legacy

Before his arrest, Sharper was a highly regarded defensive player, having played for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and New Orleans Saints. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV championship team. Following his conviction, the NFL and the Saints organization distanced themselves from him. His legacy in professional football, once defined by his status as a potential Hall of Fame candidate, is now permanently tied to his criminal record.

Fact Sheet: Case Details

• Primary Charges: Rape, drugging, and sexual assault.
• Number of Victims: Admitted to assaulting nine women; investigations indicated a broader pattern.
• States Involved: Louisiana, California, Arizona, and Nevada.
• Current Status: Serving a 20-year federal sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Beaumont, Texas.
• Accomplice: Former NOPD officer Reginald Jackson was convicted for assisting Sharper in the obstruction of justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Darren Sharper eligible for release?

According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Sharper’s projected release date is currently set for 2031. This date accounts for time served and federal sentencing guidelines.

Did Sharper ever play in the NFL after his arrest?

No. Sharper had retired from the NFL in 2011, several years before the allegations surfaced and his subsequent arrest in 2014.

How were the victims drugged?

Prosecutors established that Sharper used substances like Alprazolam, Diazepam, and Zolpidem, often referred to as “date rape drugs,” to render his victims unconscious or unable to resist before assaulting them.