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ESPN Senior Writer- Senior college football writer
- Author of seven books on college football
- Graduate of the University of Georgia
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State freshman quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Jameis Winston is part of an ongoing investigation into a sexual assault complaint filed with the Tallahassee Police Department in December 2012.
Winston's attorney, Tim Jansen, said police contacted him in February 2013, but no charges were filed and Winston never has been interviewed by police.
"It was closed in February and it was then handed over to the state attorney today," Jansen said Wednesday. "We've been cooperating with them and we've supplied them with witness affidavits. We hope this case will be resolved quickly in Mr. Winston's favor."
William Meggs, state attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit in Tallahassee, confirmed his office didn't receive an incident report from the Tallahassee Police Department until earlier Wednesday. Meggs, who was traveling, said he only has had the report read to him by an associate over the phone.
"We learned about the police report for the first time today," Meggs said. "I've had it read to me. I think the police department would have to tell you why I didn't learn about it for the first time until today."
Florida State released a statement Wednesday saying Winston's status with the team has not changed. The quarterback met with reporters later without addressing the investigation.
"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."
The school was responding to multiple reports connecting Winston to an incident on Dec. 7, 2012. In response to those reports, the Tallahassee Police Department issued the following statement: "The Tallahassee Police Department has received several requests from local and national media for a case TPD received on December 7th, 2012, of an alleged sexual battery. The case was assigned to the Special Victims Unit. TPD is continuing its investigation and has consulted with the State Attorney as to the direction of the case. A copy of the original report is attached to this email, which has been redacted to meet the requirements of Florida Statute 119."
The incident report does not name Winston and describes the offender as being between 5-foot-9 and 5-11. Winston is listed by Florida State as being 6-4.
Florida State is 9-0 and currently second in the BCS standings. The Seminoles host Syracuse on Saturday.
Winston has been spectacular in his first college season, passing for 2,661 yards and 26 touchdowns.