RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — In front of a judge at the Wake County courthouse Friday, the man accused of shooting Raleigh police officer Charles Ainsworth back in 2019 prepared a plea deal in the midst of his initial time served in a federal prison.
Cedric Kearney was initially charged with attempted murder, two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm, robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.
However, the judge sentenced Kearney to 21 years in federal prison in 2021 for carjacking and aiding and abetting, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and aiding and abetting.
In court Friday, Kearney pleaded guilty to the following charges in hopes that the other charges stemming from the robbery would be thrown out and his sentence would be reduced:
- Attempted murder
- Assault on a law enforcement official
- Larceny of a firearm
The defense argued that Kearney’s mental health should play a role in reducing the sentencing. The judge recommended that he continue mental health treatment, as well as educational and vocational training…