Two co-defendants plead to reduced charges in O.J. Simpson robbery case

LAS VEGAS -- Two co-defendants pleaded guilty to reduced charges Tuesday in the O.J. Simpson armed robbery case, agreeing to testify against Simpson and three others in the alleged hotel room theft of sports collectibles from two memorabilia dealers.

Clark County District Attorney David Roger agreed to drop charges including kidnapping, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy against Walter Alexander, Simpson's golfing buddy, and Charles Cashmore, at times a day laborer, disc jockey and bartender.

With testimony from the two men secured, prosecutors moved quickly to prepare revised charges against Simpson, Clarence "C.J." Stewart, Michael McClinton and Charles Ehrlich.

New charges

An amended criminal complaint that includes a second felony charge of coercion against Simpson and two new coercion charges each against the other three, according to a copy obtained by The Associated Press, was expected to be filed by today. Lawyers for the four were due in court today to discuss the revised complaint, which includes allegations that Simpson and Stewart conspired to persuade others to tell authorities that no guns were used.

The new charges include 11 felonies -- including kidnapping, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy and coercion -- and one gross misdemeanor, conspiracy to commit a crime. A kidnapping conviction alone could result in a sentence of life in prison with parole.

A preliminary hearing for the remaining defendants was set to start Nov. 8.

Alexander, 46, pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy to commit robbery, while Cashmore pleaded guilty to felony accessory to robbery. Both remained free pending sentencing.

Roger said Cashmore could get probation or up to one to five years in prison at sentencing, which will come after an April 15 status check. The district attorney said he would seek a suspended sentence for Alexander, which could get him probation instead of one to six years in prison.

Simpson attorney Gabriel Grasso said there have been no discussions with Roger on any plea deal for Simpson, 60.

Yale Galanter, another lawyer for Simpson, accused the district attorney of letting co-defendants off easy for their testimony against his client, and said he was looking forward to cross-examining Alexander and Cashmore.

"The district attorney's office is giving away the courthouse in order to make deals," Galanter said. "Obviously, the district attorney is looking to make a case against O.J. Simpson and is offering people incredible deals in an effort to do that."

Cashmore, 40, can testify that Alexander and McClinton brought guns to the Sept. 13 confrontation with two sports memorabilia dealers at a room at the Palace Station casino hotel, said his lawyer, Edward Miley.

Miley has characterized Cashmore as a bit player and Simpson as the "big fish" in a botched robbery.

"I think he's anxious to get his story out there," Miley said outside the courthouse. Cashmore said he was relieved, but avoided other questions from reporters.

Alexander, 46, a real estate salesman from Mesa, Ariz., told police Sept. 15 that Simpson wanted armed men with him when he confronted dealers Bruce Fromong and Alfred Beardsley to retrieve items that Simpson said belonged to him.

"I'm at peace with what I've done today and what I'm going to do," Alexander said as he clutched a Bible outside court. "I'm not here to help or hurt O.J. Simpson. I'm only here to tell the truth."

Alexander's lawyer, Robert Dennis Rentzer, has declined to say what testimony Alexander would provide. He has also expressed doubt that Cashmore knew whether Alexander was armed.

Galanter said last week that Simpson's position remains that there were no guns brought to the room and he did not tell anyone to bring guns.

A justice of the peace will decide following the preliminary hearing whether there is enough evidence to send the case against the aging football star and three co-defendants to trial.

Lawyers for Stewart, 53, of North Las Vegas, McClinton, 49, of Las Vegas, and Ehrlich, 53, of Miami, did not immediately respond Tuesday to requests for comment.

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Associated Press Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch in Los Angeles contributed to this report.