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Slain greenhouse owner withheld workers' pay for sex, prosecutors say

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — The man charged with killing a well-known Charlotte greenhouse owner agreed to a plea deal Thursday afternoon in a York County courtroom.

Kevin DeJesus, 22, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of Jesse Campbell. Both sides reached a deal for a negotiated sentence of 12 years in prison.

Campbell was the owner of the greenhouse on South Boulevard behind Mr. K’s for decades. He was also a former Myers Park High School teacher and was a staple in the Charlotte community.

Authorities said DeJesus shot and killed the 64-year-old at Campbell’s home near Lake Wylie in January.

DeJesus worked for Campbell at the greenhouse. The defense said DeJesus quit working at the greenhouse after Campbell asked to take him to Florida and pay him $400 a day to be his companion.

The night of the shooting, the defense said DeJesus went to Campbell's home to get money that was owed to him. DeJesus said Campbell wouldn't pay him for work until he had sex with him.

The defense said the two struggled over a gun and DeJesus shot Campbell.

Prosecutors said in court it appears that Campbell had asked several other Hispanic men who worked for him to have sex in exchange for their pay.

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