RICO charges could be just around the corner for Vick

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – Reportedly, tomorrow is the deadline for Michael Vick to accept a plea deal from federal prosecutors in Virginia.

If Vick decides not to plead guilty in the dog fighting case, prosecutors could throw more serious federal charges at the Atlanta Falcons' star quarterback.

According to published reports, federal prosecutors have told Vick he could serve at least a year in prison if he pleads guilty. If Vick fights the current charges in court, he could be found guilty and face up to 5 years in prison.

But by Monday, the stakes could get higher. If Vick rejects the plea deal, federal prosecutors plan to hit Vick with more serious charges of racketeering and corruption spelled out in the RICO act.

Former US Attorney Kent Alexander says Vick's lawyers must take the looming indictment very seriously.

ALEXANDER: A RICO charge would play into it in a big way because the potential penalties are so much higher. Penalties are far as going to prison.

Alexander, who serves as Emory University's general counsel, says RICO convictions can send defendants to prison for up to 20 years.