Miami

Two Former Minor League Baseball Players Plead Guilty to Rape in Miami

Two former minor league baseball players accused of rape will get five years' probation after pleading guilty to sexual battery charges in a Miami courtroom Thursday.

Norge Paredes and Daniel Barbuena, both former players with the minor league affiliates of the Saint Louis Cardinals, pleaded guilty to sexual battery with no force.

According to arrest reports, both were partying in Miami last month when Barbuena met a girl and went home with her. Police said while the two were having sex, Paredes sneaked in and had sex with the woman as well, without her knowledge.

"The prosecutor made an offer that my clients felt was reasonable, that I thought was reasonable," said defense attorney Santiago Labandera. "In light of the weaknesses of the case and potential consequences, we reached what everyone feels is a fair resolution."

Both men will serve no jail time but will be on probation for five years, with the possibility of early termination after two-and-a-half years.

They must also stay away from the victim, who has agreed to the plea agreement.

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