NEW ORLEANS, La. – Darren Sharper, the former New Orleans Saints safety and Super Bowl champion, has reportedly been transferred from federal prison to a halfway house program as he approaches the final years of his sentence for multiple rape and drug-related convictions spanning several states.

Darren Sharper Transferred From Federal Prison

According to WAFB, Sharper was moved from a federal correctional facility in Ohio to community confinement in late May. The transfer places him under a federal re-entry program that helps inmates transition back into society before their scheduled release dates.

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Officials have not publicly disclosed the exact location of the halfway house or whether Sharper is living in a residential facility or under home confinement. Federal authorities typically keep those details private for security and safety reasons.

Single-season pass interception return yards: 376 set in 2009″ data-title=”Darren Sharper”/>Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Single-season pass interception return yards: 376 set in 2009″ data-title=”Darren Sharper”/>Photo by Elsa/Getty ImagesThe Case That Shocked the NFL And Louisiana

Sharper was once considered one of the NFL’s top defensive players. During his 14-year professional football career, he earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and helped lead the New Orleans Saints to their historic Super Bowl XLIV victory following the 2009 season.

However, things dramatically changed after a series of investigations and allegations that Sharper drugged and sexually assaulted women in multiple states. Following his 2014 arrest, prosecutors in Louisiana, California, Nevada, and Arizona pursued charges against Sharper.

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In 2015 and 2016, Sharper entered guilty or no-contest pleas related to numerous rape and drug charges, as well as a federal conspiracy case connected to the crimes. He ultimately received an 18-year federal prison sentence.

Sharper wasn’t the only person arrested for these crimes.

From WAFB.com

Brandon Licciardi, a former St. Bernard Parish sheriff’s deputy who was arrested in the case, was sentenced in 2016 to 17 years in prison. Prosecutors said Licciardi and Erik Nunez were charged with Sharper in a conspiracy to drug and rape women.

103.3 The GOAT logoWhat A Halfway House Transfer Means

A transfer to a halfway house does not mean an inmate has been released from custody. Instead, it is part of a supervised transition that allows eligible inmates to gradually reintegrate into society while still serving out their sentence.

Depending on the circumstances, participants may receive limited privileges while preparing for eventual release.

Darren Sharper

(Photo by Nick Ut-Pool/Getty Images)Sharper’s Expected Release Date Remains Years Away

Despite the transfer, Sharper is not expected to be fully released anytime soon. Federal prison records indicate his projected release date remains December 27, 2028.

For Saints fans, Sharper’s role on the team’s Super Bowl championship roster is now overshadowed by the serious crimes that led to his conviction. While his football accomplishments once placed him among the NFL’s most respected defensive players, his criminal case has permanently altered how he is remembered.

Read more at WAFB.com.

Pets That Are Surprisingly Legal to Own in Louisiana

When people think about getting a pet, dogs, cats, birds, or fish are likely the first animals that come to mind. However, the realm of possibility when it comes to animals you can legally have as pets in Louisiana is quite surprising.

The gang over at a-z-animals.com has compiled a list of pets that are actually legal to own in Louisiana, but we’re going to hit a few highlights.

Keep in mind that pet ownership laws vary from city to city and parish to parish, so please check local laws before taking in any of these animals. Remember, you’ll be taking on responsibility for the wellbeing of a living, feeling creature.

Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott