Rickea Jackson 'willing to testify' vs James Pearce Jr. newest document

Former Lady Vols basketball star Rickea Jackson is "willing to testify" against James Pearce Jr. if the domestic violence case against the NFL star goes to trial, according to a notice filed by Jackson's attorneys in Miami-Dade County court.

Jackson's attorneys requested the court to allocate "all possible resources and personnel" to the case "to conclude it as soon as practicable and bring justice to her and the people of the State of Florida."

In the Feb. 10 notice of appearance and notice of asserting victims' rights obtained by Knox News, Jackson's attorneys said she "remains cooperative and willing to testify at trial, if one is necessary."

Knox News' policy is to not name victims of domestic violence, but in this case Jackson's attorneys, with her approval, have made her name public by filing the court notice.

Jackson is being represented by Gary F. Celetti and Wendy A.L. Beswick.

Pearce, 22, was arrested Feb. 7 in Doral, Florida. He crashed his vehicle while being chased by police after he fled the scene of a domestic dispute involving Jackson, his former girlfriend, according to the arrest affidavit obtained by Knox News.

The former Tennessee football player and Atlanta Falcons rookie faces felony charges: two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding police officers with lights and sirens activated and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.

Pearce also faces a misdemeanor charge of resisting an officer without violence to his person.

Pearce posted bond of $20,500 on Feb. 8, and the court issued a pretrial order to Pearce to stay away from Jackson.

The court notice also asserted Jackson's right to receive timely updates on the case and to be present at all public proceedings, as well as her right to be heard in any public proceeding. It also notes her right to discuss any plea agreements with the prosecuting attorney and to provide "information regarding the impact of the offender's conduct" on her and her family.

Jackson told police her relationship with Pearce had recently ended, but Pearce refused to leave her alone, according to the report. Jackson told police that Pearce followed her car, and at a red light, he got out of his vehicle and tried to open her car door.

Jackson drove away toward the Doral Police Department, and she told police that Pearce followed and collided with the rear of her car. Pearce later struck her car head-on as she attempted to get away, according to the report.

Doral police responded to Jackson's call for help, and an officer drew a gun on Pearce, ordering him to get on the ground. Pearce re-entered his car and closed the door, according to the report, and his SUV struck an officer's knee when he drove away.

Pearce ended up crashing his car and running, police said, and when officers caught up to him, they say he resisted arrest.

"Mr. Pearce maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that it is hardly the full, complete story," Pearce’s attorney, Jacob Nunez, said in a statement to The Associated Press. "We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well."

Cora Hall is the University of Tennessee women’s athletics reporter for Knox News. Email: cora.hall@knoxnews.com; X: @corahalll; Bluesky: @corahall.bsky.social‬. Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks:knoxnews.com/subscribe

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Rickea Jackson 'willing to testify' vs James Pearce after NFL star charged