Second Texas grand jury declines to indict Deshaun Watson
Warning: Graphic descriptions of alleged sexual assault below.
HOUSTON — A second grand jury, this one located in Brazoria County, Texas, has declined to indict Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
"After a careful and thorough review of the facts and evidence documented in the reports prepared by the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and the Houston Police Department, as well as hearing testimony from witnesses, the Grand Jury for Brazoria County has declined to charge Deshaun Watson with any crimes," Brazoria County district attorney Tom Selleck said in a statement. "Accordingly, this matter is closed."
The lone outstanding criminal complaint against Watson was among 10 filed with the Houston Police Department alleging an array of sexual misconduct or assault against Watson. Nine complaints went to the Harris County Prosecutor’s Office and resulted in no criminal indictments after being presented to a grand jury in that jurisdiction earlier this month. The 10th complaint was sent to the Brazoria County Prosecutor’s Office due to the location of the alleged crime.
Earlier Thursday, Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said the outstanding complaint was expected to have a grand jury decision in short order.
The complaint mirrored those referred to a Harris County grand jury. The Brazoria County grand jury heard a presentation of evidence from the Brazoria County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as any accompanying testimony that jurors require, then rendered a decision to not indict Watson on a criminal charge. This effectively ends the proceedings against Watson, same as the outcome of the Harris County deliberations.
Fox 8 News in Cleveland was the first to report the additional grand jury deliberation.
A New York Times report on Thursday identified the alleged incident as related to one of 22 civil lawsuits Watson is still facing. The specific complaint was related to an allegation that Watson ejaculated on the arm of a massage therapist during a session.
Following the lack of a criminal indictment by the Harris County grand jury earlier this month, the Houston Texans traded Watson to the Browns for multiple draft picks. As part of the deal, Watson signed a landmark five-year contract for a fully guaranteed $230 million.
