The Michigan AG's office has asked to review the criminal investigation into a sex crimes case complaint against a Michigan State University basketball player, according to a university official.
Michigan State University Police Department Capt. Doug Monette confirmed the investigation involved a basketball player and said his office provided the file to the AG. The Detroit Free Press typically does not identify persons accused of crimes until charges are filed.
AG spokesperson Kelly Rossman-McKinney said an assistant Attorney General received an inquiry about looking into the case, but has made no decisions or recommendations. She said because of COVID-19, it'll likely be a few weeks before the legal team can review the case.
The Ingham County Prosecutor's Office declined to file charges against the player because the case did not meet the burden of proof needed to try it in front of a jury, Prosecutor Carol Siemon said in an emailed statement to the Lansing State Journal.
The reported sexual assault took place Jan. 19 in the 400 block of Ivy Court in East Lansing. Siemon said her office received the police report in February. The player was suspended Jan. 24 by the team and no reason was given for the suspension.
The Lansing State Journal requested the police report Feb. 24 from MSU police and the university records office has said it is still in the process of redacting it. That same day, the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office denied an LSJ public records request for emails involving the player between the university police department and county prosecutors.
MSU also said there was no email correspondence with anyone at the MSU police department and top basketball officials.
The player was charged in March 2018 with misdemeanor assault. He pleaded guilty to the charge, but his case is not public because he pleaded under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which allows offenders ages 17 to 24 to have a non-public conviction as long as the terms of their probation are satisfied.
The assault charge generally carries up to 93 days in jail, but it is not clear if the player was sentenced to jail or was given probation.
