Falcons Rookie James Pearce Jr. Facing Lengthy Prison Sentence After Felony Arrest, NFL Future in Question

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

James Pearce may have ended his NFL career due to his own erratic behavior. The Atlanta Falcons rookie was arrested in Florida and faces five felony charges, including aggravated battery and stalking.

Police say he crashed his vehicle during a police pursuit while fleeing a domestic dispute involving Rickea Jackson, ESPN reported. The allegations involve a domestic dispute, a vehicle collision sequence, and an encounter with police that led to multiple felony charges.

Court documents describe an incident that began with Jackson contacting police after she said Pearce Jr. had been following her. The complaint further alleges that Pearce Jr. struck Jackson’s vehicle with his SUV. Police also allege that while attempting to evade officers, he struck a law enforcement officer with his vehicle and then fled before being taken into custody.

James Pearce Jr. Might be Spending Tiem In Prison

Cops struggled to arrest the 6-foot-5, 243-pound James Pearce after an encounter he had with Rickea Jackson. Pearce Jr. faces five felony charges.

They include aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding police, and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer. Pearce Jr. was released after posting bond totaling $20,500.

He appeared virtually in court on Sunday when it was revealed that the deadly weapon was a vehicle. Presiding Judge Jacqueline Woodward issued a domestic violence stay-away order for Rickea Jackson. The order demands that Pearce have no contact with Jackson or come within 500 feet of her home.

According to Fox Sports South Florida’s Andy Slater, Pearce could face significant prison time if convicted.

“Pearce Jr. faces a minimum of five years in prison if he’s ultimately convicted of one of the charges against him. Aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer in Florida is a first-degree felony and has a mandatory sentence,” Slater reported.

That five-year term represents the minimum for that specific charge. The other felony charges James Pearce faces could carry sentences of up to 30 years or more. One conviction on any felony charge would most certainly end his career.