UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has agreed to a plea deal regarding his DWI charge when he was arrested on four charges Thursday in Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi.
Jones will not face any jail time if he follows the terms of the plea agreement, according to a spokesperson for the Bernalillo County, New Mexico, district attorney’s office.
According to the terms, Jones must serve 96 consecutive hours in a county Community Custody Program similar to house arrest, must complete 48 hours of community service, pay a $500 fine and take part in a 90-day outpatient treatment program.
Additionally, Jones will be on supervised probation for one year, and an interlock ignition will be placed on any vehicle he operates. The device will require Jones to test his blood alcohol level in order to start his vehicle.
Jones, 32, will be able to use marijuana with a medical marijuana card.
“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,” Michael Patrick, director of communications for the Bernalillo County District Attorney said.
“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 in a statement. “I am disappointed for letting down the people I care about the most, my family, friends and my fans. … I accept full responsibility for my actions and I know that I have some personal work to do 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. Thanks you all for your continued love and support and please take care of yourselves.”
“Normally, the State would be requesting a pre-sentencing report and a recommendation to Substance Recovery Court, however due to COVID-19 it is not clear the program can accept anyone at this time,” Patrick wrote. “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.”
