Gophers Sexual Assault Case: County Announces No Charges

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — On Friday, Hennepin County officials completed their review of the University of Minnesota’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action report on the alleged sexual assault cause involving several Gopher football players. Officials said there was not enough new information in the report to bring any charges against the players.

In a statement, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said that the university's report "shined a light on what can only be described as deplorable behavior."

"And while the university’s investigation included a handful of new interviews, the information elicited was not significantly different from the information presented to this office following a thorough investigation by the Minneapolis Police Department," Freeman added.

"Reviewing the full report and comparing it to the criminal investigation file shows no new significant evidence that would enable prosecutors to bring charges against any individuals that could be sustained under our much higher standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. As a result, our decision not to bring charges remains unchanged."

Freeman said that because university’s process is continuing with appeals, "we believe it would be inappropriate to comment further."

A previous criminal investigation in Hennepin County this fall resulted in no arrests or criminal charges in the case. However, the university's office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action filed a report last week that recommended punishment for 10 Gopher football players, including expulsion.

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