Yelverton not charged, but no longer with team
GAINESVILLE — UF football staff member Otis Yelverton was not charged following accusations of cyberstalking by a former girlfriend, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
But Yelverton is no longer a member of coach Dan Mullen’s staff. Yelverton was terminated May 29 after he was arrested and charged with a third-degree felony dating to late April.
Yelverton, the football program’s assistant director of player personnel, was arrested and charged April 22. Mullen placed Yelverton on indefinite administrative leave before letting his longtime support staff member go.
The Alachua State Attorney’s Office declined to press charges on Yelverton following a lengthy investigation.
“The one statement in the various exchanges between the parties that could be construed as a threat is legally insufficient to form the basis for a prosecution,” said Bill Cervone, the Alachua County State Attorney.
On Monday evening, Yelverton released a statement through his lawyer thanking the State Attorney’s Office for their findings while insisting the accusations were false.
“From the very beginning, I have maintained my innocence and trusted the judicial system — and others — that I would be afforded the due process granted to every citizen of this country,” Yelverton said. “Today, I am vindicated. This matter was about two people that cared for each other, struggling over a period of time with the dissolution of our relationship. In that process, hurtful words were exchanged. “While not a crime, I deeply regret using hurtful language and am committed to being more mindful of the things I say and the context in which I say them.”
Yelverton, 51, and the father of daughters, records show, said he has sought counseling following the matter.
“Violence against women of any sort is offensive to me, and never have I, nor would I, commit violence against a woman,” Yelverton’s statement read. “I am very much looking forward to putting this behind me and resuming my career.”
Yelverton allegedly harassed his former girlfriend after she ended their yearlong relationship on April 14. According to court records, Yelverton called, text-messaged and Facebook-messaged the woman 40 times.
On April 21, Yelverton left a threatening voicemail stating he would “blow up” her vehicle, records state.
In addition, text messages used “multiple vulgarities and demeaning language,” which placed the woman in a state of fear. She told police she asked Yelverton to cease contact, believing Yelverton could physically attack her.
Yelverton said the accusations ultimately cost him a chance to continue to work under Mullen.
“I am very much looking forward to putting this behind me and resuming my career,” Yelverton said. “Unfortunately, I will not be doing so at the University of Florida. The University Athletic Association terminated my employment … before this matter could be resolved in the judicial system and despite my statements of innocence and repeated requests for patience.”