Well, the judge has rejected the plea agraeement and allowed TS to withdraw his guilty plea.
So, in the eyes of the law, at this point in time TS is not guilty. Yes, he could go to trial and he could be found guilty. If that happens, at that time he will in the eyes of the law, be guilty. However, I do not beleive that it is a "slam dunk" that he will be found guilty. It is true that he may be found guilty. But, it is also true that he may be found "not guilty." It just might be a "crap shoot." [NOTE: I Reference the game of dice.]
However, there is another option. That option just might mean that TS does not go to trial. They could negotiate another plea deal in the hopes that the new judge would accept it. That would likely result in some prison time. But, the hope would be that the prison time would be less than what he might recive in a jury trial.
I frankly do not believe that the Commonwealth attorney (Katherine Stott) wants to take it to trial. I also believe that Shelton's attornies believe that they have a chance at a not guilty verdict.
NOTE: My comments do not indicate that I do not beleive those who have accused TS. When TS initially pled guilty, I felt that was the truth, as much as the criminal process would uncover the truth. My comments simply reflect how I see it from the standpoint of obtaining a criminal conviction. Criminal courts are concerned with criminal process according to the statute. Often they are not involved with truth. I think that TS has a chance of being found Not Guilty in a criminal trial. But, also a chance of a conviction.
So, here we have it:
Go to trial and be found guilty.
Go to trial and be found not guilty.
Negotiate another plea deal.