Rapist is third to admit to his crimes in Chesapeake

CHESAPEAKE

The third co-defendant in a protracted gunpoint robbery-rape in South Norfolk pleaded guilty Monday rather than face a Circuit Court jury later this month.

Shaeron L. McKethan was 15 at the time of the Dec. 30, 2009, attack. Three young men brutalized a woman and a man in an apartment-complex laundry room and apartment after a carjacking attempt against the woman failed because none of the three assailants could drive a stick shift, according to court documents.

McKethan admitted to 14 felonies, including rape, abduction, robbery and firearm charges. He faces a maximum of nine life terms plus 23 years when he's sentenced May 23. Prosecutors under a plea agreement will drop four other firearm charges that would carry a mandatory 20 years.

The other two defendants also pleaded guilty to multiple charges, although one wants to retract his plea, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Derek Wagner said.