USA TODAY International Edition
Police investigate FSU’s Winston
QB’s lawyer denies woman’s accusation of sexual battery from December 2012
TALLAHASSEE The Tallahassee Police Department last year received a complaint of sexual battery against Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston.
No charges have been filed against Winston, and the investigation remains active. An attorney representing Winston denied the allegation.
The complaint was filed Dec. 7, according to TPD reports. The complainant is cooperating with the State Attorney’s Office, said Officer David Northway, spokesman for TPD.
“The case is open and active, and the victim is working with the State Attorney’s Office,” Northway said.
The school said in a statement that Winston’s status with the Florida State football team, which he has led to a 9- 0 record and No. 2 rank in the Bowl Championship Series standings, has not changed.
Tallahassee attorney Tim Jansen confirmed he is representing Winston. “We’ve been cooperating with the law enforcement agencies, and we’re hoping to get a quick resolution in favor of Mr. Winston,” Jansen said.
Jansen said he was told by Tallahassee police in February, about a week after they first contacted him, that the case had been closed. “I talked to the police officer,” Jansen told USA TODAY Sports. “He said the case had been closed. I don’t know of any reason for reopening it.”
He said he found out Monday that a news media outlet had requested relevant police records Friday.
Jansen said Winston had not been interviewed by police or prosecutors.
Winston’s regular weekly news media availability was canceled Wednesday. Shortly after the incident report had been released, Florida State issued a statement that said Winston and coach Jimbo Fisher would not address the topic. After practice, Winston spoke with reporters but would discuss only footballrelated topics.
“We are aware of a matter that was
investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department almost a year ago,” the school said in a statement. “Because the investigation has not been closed by TPD, we cannot comment further at this time. We look forward to a speedy resolution of the issue. There is no change in Jameis Winston’s status.”
At the site of his weekly radio show, Fisher did not mention the allegations. But he said of Winston, “I think the world of the young man, always have.”
Jansen said he provided eyewitness affidavits Tuesday to the state attorney. Though he would not disclose the details of the affidavits, Jansen said, “They’re witnesses who were present who can provide vital information.”
TPD released an incident report Wednesday in response to a request from the Tallahassee Democrat for any and all reports related to Winston.
The report, which was heavily redacted, does not mention Winston by name. It says the complaint was received at 4: 01 a. m. and the accuser said sexual battery occurred earlier in the morning of Dec. 7, between 1: 30 and 2. The location was not listed, though the report says it happened at an apartment.
The suspect — name listed as “Unknown” — is described as a black male with a muscular build between 5- 9 and 5- 11 and 240 pounds, with straight black hair and brown eyes. Winston is listed by Florida State as 6- 4, 228 pounds.
The narrative description from the investigating officer is redacted. The incident report indicated evidence was collected from the complainant’s body. Photos also were taken of the complainant, who told police she had been drinking alcohol the night of the incident.
Georgia Cappleman, chief assistant state attorney, said she couldn’t discuss the case because it was an open investigation.
In a news release sent Wednesday evening, Northway said TPD had received several requests from local and national media about the complaint of a sexual battery.
“The case was assigned to the special victims unit,” Northway said. “TPD is continuing its investigation and has consulted with the State Attorney as to the direction of the case.”
Winston, a redshirt freshman, is widely considered the front- runner to win the Heisman Trophy.
Despite redshirting last season while EJ Manuel played quarterback, Winston was considered a future star by Florida State coaches.
From his FSU debut, a victory at Pittsburgh in which he completed 25 of 27 attempts with four touchdown passes, his star has risen. He has passed for 26 touchdowns with seven interceptions.