'Jena 6' Cases Nearing Final Deal

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Louisiana court officials involved with the case against five of six black teens accused of beating a white
classmate in a case that sparked civil rights protests told The Associated Press that a plea deal should be finalized this week.

The teens are part of the so-called "Jena Six." They were charged in 2007 with attempted murder. It was lowered to aggravated
second-degree battery.

People close to the case told the AP the teens will plead to lesser charges Friday but would not be specific or talk about
penalties. The sources asked not to be named because the agreement would not be made public until the hearing.

A sixth defendant, Mychal Bell, was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)