Broncos Jonathon Cooper’s Girlfriend Jade Fiegen Gets Charges Dropped Because She’s White

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper continues to face felony and misdemeanor charges in a domestic violence case, even as a judge dismissed all charges Tuesday against his girlfriend, Jade Fiegen.

The contrasting outcomes prompted Cooper’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, to publicly accuse prosecutors of racial bias. Steinberg highlighted what he described as favorable treatment for the white woman compared with the ongoing prosecution of his Black client.

Cooper, 28, and Fiegen were both arrested earlier this month by Parker police after an altercation at Cooper’s Denver-area home. The incident involved a dispute over cell phones and allegations of infidelity. Both were initially booked on misdemeanor counts of domestic violence and criminal mischief.

According to court records and reports, Cooper was released on bond and pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled for July 22. He was arrested again last week for allegedly violating a protective order issued after the initial incident. Prosecutors have since added more serious charges against him, including felony second-degree assault (strangulation), third-degree assault, criminal mischief, violation of a protective order and harassment.

On Tuesday, a judge dismissed the charges against Fiegen. Steinberg reacted sharply in comments to 9NEWS.

“White woman admits she was the aggressor. Admits she grabbed my client’s phone out his hand. Admits she went through it without his permission. Admits she threw it against the wall, damaging it. She makes allegations against my client which police don’t appear to believe. Charges dismissed against white woman. Prosecution against Black man continues. Justice in America,” Steinberg said.

The case has fueled discussion about whether race or other factors influenced the different charging decisions. Steinberg’s statement explicitly framed the disparity along racial lines — a white woman whose charges were dropped versus a Black man whose case has escalated.

Domestic violence cases often involve complexities that affect outcomes. Many jurisdictions follow dual-arrest policies when both parties allege violence or damage, then let prosecutors review evidence, medical reports, witness statements and credibility before deciding which charges to pursue or drop. A nurse who examined Fiegen reportedly assessed her injuries as placing her at “substantial risk of death,” according to earlier reporting. Such assessments frequently support serious assault charges, including strangulation, which carries heightened scrutiny because of its potential lethality.

Fiegen’s admissions — as described by the defense — regarding grabbing the phone, searching it without permission and damaging it by throwing it may have factored into the decision to dismiss her charges if prosecutors determined the evidence did not support continued prosecution or viewed elements as mutual or insufficiently corroborated.

Cooper has maintained his not guilty plea and has not sought to dismiss the charges, instead requesting a speedy trial to avoid conflicts with training camp. He posted an apology on social media shortly after the initial arrest, writing that he apologized to his family, friends and community, along with a Bible verse.

The Broncos have excused Cooper from practice and mandatory minicamp activities following the latest arrest. The NFL’s personal conduct policy gives the league authority to review player conduct matters independently of criminal proceedings and impose discipline, including suspensions, even if charges are later reduced or dropped.

Flip the pages for photos of Jade Figen.