Many thought that the Jameis Winston rape case ended when Florida prosecutors announced that they would not proceed with criminal charges, but that may have only been the beginning.
Deadspin has reported that Winston was questioned by the university shortly after winning the National Championship and his two roommates have been charged with five violations of the school’s code of conduct.
The two teammates, Chris Casher and Ronald Darby, were recently charged with five violations of the university’s code of conduct, according to the source, who spoke with Deadspin on condition of anonymity because the university’s proceedings were confidential. Winston doesn’t currently face any conduct charges.
In statements given to investigators late last year, Casher and Darby both said they’d witnessed Winston having sex with his accuser. Casher also said he’d walked into the room “to see if the female would agree to allow Casher to participate in the sex acts that were occurring.” Denied, he filmed the two having sex on his cell phone. He told investigators he’d deleted the video and discarded the phone.
Both Casher and Darby face FSU charges of “conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for another person” and “acts that invade the privacy of another person.” Casher faces an additional charge of “recording of images without consent.” If found responsible in a university hearing, they could receive punishments ranging from a letter of reprimand to expulsion from the university.
When Winston was questioned by school investigators he plead the fifth.
In late January—after the season had ended—Winston was summoned to a meeting with administrators conducting the university’s Title IX investigation. Present were Jeanine Ward-Roof, FSU’s dean of students and its Title IX coordinator; Rachel Bukanc, director of the university’s Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities; and Francis “Monk” Bonasorte, a senior associate athletics director and former FSU player who has acted as a sort of consigliere to the team’s current players, according to Deadspin’s source.
At the meeting, Winston “basically took the fifth,” the source says. Winston was asked if he was aware of the allegations against him. He replied that his legal counsel had advised him not to answer any questions.
After meeting with Winston, investigators decided there was insufficient evidence to charge him with anything, but did say he can be charged at a later point if more convincing information presents itself.
When informed of the university’s investigation, Jameis’ accuser’s attorney said it was too little too late.
“We’re pleased that the university is finally attempting to meet its Title IX obligations, but it shouldn’t be well over a year” after his client’s assault, Kerr said. He added that he was investigating potential claims on the accuser’s behalf.
“If Mr. Winston continues to refuse to discuss what happened that night, it’s difficult to see how the university can avoid taking action,” he said.
FSU has been real hush-hush about their investigation and it seems like many questions still linger regarding the incident. We will bring you more information as it comes available.