Report: Ravi Seeking Probation, Not Prison

The Associated Press reports the man convicted in the Rutgers spycam trial of Ridgewood's Tyler Clementi has requested probation instead of a prison sentence.

Dharun Ravi, 20, of Plainsboro, was for his role in using a webcam to spy on roommate Tyler Clementi on separate occasions in 2010. A jury agreed Ravi had targeted Clementi because he was gay.

Days after Ravi again attempted to spy on Clementi romantically involved with a the 18-year-old Ridgewood High School graduate committed suicide. His in the Hudson River after he jumped from the George Washington Bridge, leaving behind only a cryptic Facebook post.

Ravi was not charged in connection with Clementi's death. His sentence is scheduled for May 21.

According to the Associated Press, Ravi's attorneys have requested he be spared a prison sentence, citing letters from friends who say the native of India is not hateful, nor is he a bully.

Ravi originally was offered a plea deal by Middlesex County prosecutors to avoid jail time. He was convicted on 15 counts and could face up to a decade in state prison and deportation to India.

The AP reports a "Support Ravi" event is scheduled in Edison – where there is a large Indian community – on Friday night, and another rally planned later in May.