Deals for goons in Knick stickup
THREE MEN accused of holding up ex-Knick Cleanthony Early — including the alleged triggerman who blasted the baller in the knee — are taking plea deals, their lawyers said Wednesday.
Brooklyn federal prosecutors said the thieves forced Early (photo) and his girlfriend out of an Uber as they left a Queens strip club in December 2015. The muggers’ haul included jewelry and cell phones, before Dashawn (Pop) Tejada shot the second-round draft pick, according to prosecutors.
After the shooting, Early plunged out of the NBA and now plays for the Santa Cruz Warriors of the G League.
The feds started making arrests in the case about seven months ago.
On Wednesday, attorneys for Tejada and two other men, Shaqueel (Bear) Walker and Jose Rivera, told Judge Roslynn Mauskopf they opted to accept a fastbreak plea deal.
The trio were facing charges that included armed robbery, but it was not immediately clear what offenses they’d cop to when they enter formal pleas next month.
Ten-year mandatory minimum sentences were looming for the men, according to court papers filed when they were charged.
Two other men have also been charged in the heist. One was arrested last week after being on the run for six months, according to prosecutors.
Lawyers for the three suspects declined to comment outside court.