Jena Six's Mychael Bell to remain in Jail

MTV is reporting that Mychael Bell, the only Jena 6 teen who is still in jail, will remain behind bars for another 8 months after a plea deal was struck with prosecutors today.

According to the reported terms of the deal, Bell — the alleged instigator in
the beating of white classmate Justin Barker in December 2006 — pleaded guilty
to a charge of second-degree battery, which was down from an original charge of
attempted murder and conspiracy to commit same. He also agreed to an 18-month
sentence in a juvenile facility, AP reports.

Bell was reportedly granted credit for 10 months of his sentence for time already served. Without a plea agreement, Bell could have remained in juvenile detention until his 21st birthday.

"This was a way to put a close to an event at a time when everyone had reasons to want it settled," said Louis Scott, one of Bell's lawyers, according to AP.

As part of the deal, Bell must also provide financial restitution to the Barker family for court costs in the amount of $935, according to reports. Finally, he has agreed not to plead the Fifth Amendment in any upcoming court dates for his fellow defendants, and to testify truthfully should any of their cases go to trial. (READ
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