Mayes suspended following arrest
A UCF football player was arrested by campus police Tuesday and charged with sexual battery.
Demetreius Mayes, 18, is accused of raping an intoxicated person who police said he met at an off-campus party Saturday.
The victim described accepting a ride from Mayes and several other men after the party and being taken to a room on campus by Mayes. The victim then detailed waking up later, undressed, while being penetrated by Mayes, according to an arrest affidavit.
When the victim stood up to leave, the victim said Mayes blocked the door, according to the affidavit.
“The UCF Police Department is committed to a thorough, professional investigation of all criminal incidents reported to us, and we’re dedicated to a culture of care that starts by believing the brave survivors who seek our assistance,” UCF Police Chief Carl Metzger said in a statement Wednesday.
Mayes is a freshman linebacker for the Knights. He played football for Miami Northwestern Senior High before committing to UCF in 2017.
In a statement, UCF football coach Josh Heupel said that from “what we know so far on this matter I’m upset and disappointed.”
“This has no place in our program,” Heupel said. “Demetrius Mayes is suspended from all UCF football activities indefinitely. We are focused on ensuring that we provide compassion and support for everyone outside our program that has been affected by this.”
Mayes told police he met the victim at a party off campus and took the victim back to his UCF apartment, according to the affidavit. He said the victim consented to sex.
When Mayes penetrated the victim, he said the victim said, “I can’t do this.” Mayes told police he stopped and let the victim get dressed before unlocking his bedroom door.
According to the affidavit, the victim and a roommate said they drank alcoholic beverages at their apartment before leaving for the party where they met Mayes and had additional drinks. The victim described being intoxicated prior to leaving the party.
Surveillance video from the building showed the victim and a group of men that included Mayes in the lobby of the UCF apartment about 1:15 a.m. Saturday.
Mayes is seen following the victim out of the building and returning soon after, his arm wrapped around the victim as they walk out of the frame, police said.
About 20 minutes later, police said the victim exited a stairwell into the lobby and slumped on a couch. Witnesses told police the victim was crying and described being raped, according to the affidavit.
Mayes’ teammates said they saw him taking the victim to his room and tried to stop him from making “a big mistake,” according to the arrest report. They banged on Mayes’ door for several minutes, then said the victim exited while crying.
“I am proud of the officers and detectives who dedicated themselves to this case,” Metzger said. “I also appreciate the actions of the bystanders to this incident who stepped up to help someone in need; they set an example of compassion and consideration.”
Mayes was arrested on a charge of sexual battery on a helpless person.