The former Rutgers University student accused of spying on his roommate rejected a plea deal last week that would have kept him out of prison.
In a Dec. 9 pre-trial hearing, Dharun Ravi refused to plead guilty to the invasion of privacy and bias charges he faces in connection with the webcam scandal involving Tyler Clementi.
Prosecutors allege that in September 2010 Ravi used a webcam to spy on and disseminate images of Clementi when the latter was in an intimate encounter with another man. Clementi later committed suicide.
The plea deal would have placed Ravi on probation and enlisted the help of the prosecutor’s office to stave off deportation issues, as the India native could face immigration issues pending the outcome of the case.
Since Ravi rejected the deal, he will face a trial beginning in February, which is expected to last three weeks.
Ravi faces 15 counts and, if convicted on all, could face up to 10 years in prison.
Clementi’s parents announced last week that they have created a foundation in their son’s name to fund antibullying programs.
“Our family was devastated by Tyler’s death, and we know that thousands of other families have experienced similar situations,” his father Joseph said in a statement. “We want to do our part to help save lives and reduce the anguish of those who are tormented because of the way they look, their sexual orientation or just for being different.”
For more information, visit www.thetylerclementifoundation.org.