Almost as soon as he signed a deal to play professional football with the New England Patriots, all-star wide receiver Antonio Brown was accused of sexual assault and rape in Florida.
The allegations, however, have numerous details that raise eyebrows. That it was filed in civil court by the alleged victim rather than in criminal court by prosecutors adds to the intrigue.
Antonio Brown Accused of Sexual Assault and Rape
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Miami where Brown lives during the off-season.
According to the claims in the lawsuit, Brown raped and sexually assaulted one of his personal trainers. The lawsuit says that the alleged victim, one of Brown’s former classmates at Central Michigan University, was sought out by Brown to be one of his personal trainers. During her time on the job, Brown allegedly exposed himself to her. She claims a few weeks later while in his house, he snuck up behind her and ejaculated on her back.
A year after that, she claims she was out partying with Brown in Miami, drove Brown home, and was raped in his bedroom.
There is no indication that the alleged victim called the police or filed a report over any of these incidents.
Plenty of Holes in the Alleged Victim’s Story
Brown has already raised an important legal defense: The alleged victim is making a false accusation to retaliate against him for not investing millions of dollars in her gymnastics center business.
Even without this defense, though, there are several details in the plaintiff’s claims that raise suspicion:
- The trainer was in Brown’s home mere weeks after an alleged sexual assault took place.
- Despite two apparent incidents of sexual assault, the trainer returned to work for Brown.
- In spite of their past history, the trainer went partying with Brown at nightclubs in Miami, and then drove him home and went in his house.
- There are no police reports for any of these incidents.
Civil Lawsuits: More Money, Less Proof
Perhaps even more importantly, though, the lawsuit is a civil one rather than a criminal one. This means two things:
- The alleged victim, now the “plaintiff,” can recover money in the form of compensation for her experiences.
- The plaintiff can win by proving her case by a preponderance of the evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt.
The decision to pursue a civil lawsuit rather than discuss her case with prosecutors puts a taint on her claims.
Defending Against Sex Offense Allegations at Maine Criminal Defense Group
Allegations that you committed a sex crime are serious – in part because of the social stigmatization that often comes with just an accusation. This is true even if the allegations are in the form of a civil lawsuit rather than a criminal one. Brown’s reputation, already strained after his controversial squabbles in Oakland, has taken another hit even though this lawsuit has barely begun and we’re only hearing the alleged victim’s side of the story.
The criminal defense lawyers at Maine Criminal Defense Group can help people in Portland, Saco, and Biddeford defend against allegations of a sex crime. Contact us online or call our law office at (207) 571-8146.
