Florida State general counsel Carolyn Egan contacted Tallahassee police about social media posts that accused Seminoles running back Karlos Williams of physically assaulting his pregnant ex-girlfriend, according to emails released by police Thursday.
According to a statement from Tallahassee Police Department spokesman David Northway, Egan called TPD police chief Michael DeLeo on Saturday "regarding a social media posting alleging a domestic battery by Karlos Williams."
On Wednesday, the woman, who is the mother of Williams' infant son and pregnant with the couple's second child, asked Tallahassee police to drop its investigation and not pursue criminal charges against him.
In the statement released Thursday, Northway said TPD's investigation into the alleged incident is ongoing. The case has been assigned to Chris Papy, an investigator in the violent crimes division.
The woman reportedly posted pictures of a badly bruised arm on social media Friday night. Tallahassee attorney Nathan Prince said his client never contacted police and wouldn't cooperate in its investigation.
A law enforcement official familiar with the investigation said Tallahassee police still could pursue criminal charges against Williams, even without the woman's cooperation. The source said the photos the woman posted on her social media account reveal a tattoo, which police could use to confirm her identity and her injuries.
In an email sent to DeLeo at 4:10 p.m. ET Saturday, Egan wrote: "Please take all steps you deem appropriate to investigate this matter. We stand ready to assist in whatever way possible, and, in the very near future, will have to take steps of our own to meet our campus security obligations."
According to emails released by TPD, DeLeo asked deputy chief Darrell Furuseth to have an investigator and victim advocate contact the woman to check on her safety within six minutes of receiving the email from Egan on Saturday.
In the statement, Northway said: "Because there was only the posting, and no actual complainant or location, Chief DeLeo immediately directed the email to his staff to make contact with the alleged victim to ensure her safety. The case was directly assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division as TPD has responsibility to investigate all allegations of crimes and ensure all avenues are explored before bringing the case to a close."
Williams, a senior from Davenport, Florida, is No. 2 FSU's leading rusher this season. On Monday, the school said his status with the team was "under review" pending the outcome of the police investigation. He is expected to play in the Seminoles' game at Louisville on Thursday night.
Williams might also face a Title IX investigation by FSU's Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, which could lead to findings of violations of the school's student conduct code.
FSU spokeswoman Browning Brooks said in a statement Wednesday: "While each set of facts and circumstances is different, as a general matter notice of Title IX-related issues would prompt an investigation."
Florida State would not confirm whether it would investigate Williams, citing privacy policies. Federal policy dictates that universities must investigate possible Title IX violations if they are aware.