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MORE ON BJ WHITMER SENTENCING

Ohio-based investigative reporter BJ Bethel posted the sentencing memorandum for BJ Whitmer online and it provides some clarity into why a plea deal was entered into earlier this week by Kentucky Prosecutors:
 

The sentencing memorandum noted: "On January 17, 2024 the Commonwealth met with [VICTIM'S NAME REDACTED] to discuss plea offers and the reasons underlying those options. [Redacted] isagreed with all offers discussed. [REDACTED] was advised that she has the right to convey her opinion to the Court at Sentencing. On January 29, 2024 the Defendant entered an Alford plea to the charges of Strangulation in the Second Degree and Criminal Trespass in the First Degree."

The sentencing memorandum also noted, "Throughout meetings with [DELETED] the Commonwealth discussed that much of the trial would revolve around the Jury making credibility determinations about both [DELETED]] and the Defendant and how unpredictable these determinations can be. The Commonwealth highlighted the importance of being provided with any and all information that could bear on its case or credibility of any potential witnesses."

It was noted that the victim never completed a medical examination after the incident involving Whitmer and that prosecutors did not have "any physical evidence" to present at the potential trial.

The victim's communication with AEW, which released Whitmer in the wake of his arrest, was also stated, noting that it may "be open to interpretation" by a jury.   It was noted in the sentencing memorandum that the victim received a "cash settlement and signed a non-disclosure agreement" with AEW, identified as Whitmer's employer (at the time of the arrest).  It was stated that Prosecutors were aware of her "contact" with AEW but the extent was unknown.  Whitmer's defense provided "confirmation" of the victim receiving "financial assistance and a settlement" from AEW.

The sentencing memorandum noted, "The Commonwealth anticipates that [DELETED] would testify at trial that her emails to AEW were meant to be informational and she had no intention of seeking compensation. The Commonwealth acknowledges that these emails would be open to interpretation by a Jury."

AEW sources at the time of Whitmer's arrest indicated that the promotion had reached out to the victim to provide whatever personal support they could in the wake of Whitmer's arrest.

Whitmer had been with AEW as a Coach/Producer since it was originally formed and would occasionally appear as a Judge for ROH Pure Wrestling matches. Prior to AEW, he had been with Ring of Honor off and on dating back to 2003, initially as a wrestler. Later, he transitioned into working behind the scenes full-time during the Sinclair Broadcast Group ownership era, working on travel and production aspects of the company. Whitmer also worked as a trainer for the ROH Dojo and on-screen at times as a color commentator for the promotion during the Sinclair era. He exited ROH in advance of moving to AEW.

Whitmer first broke into professional wrestling back in 2000 in the greater Cincinnati area. Beyond his time in ROH, he also wrestled for Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan, former WWE developmental territory the HWA, CZW and scores of other independent promotions. He had stepped out of the ring due to neck and back issues related to spinal stenosis, last wrestling in 2017.

As long as Whitmer completes his home incarceration and abides by the terms of his probation, legally, the matter would be resolved. 

To date, he has not commented publicly on the arrest.

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