Zachariah Branch, a wide receiver with the Atlanta Falcons who was detained on April 19 in Athens, Georgia, for allegedly disobeying a police officer’s orders, has had his felony charges dropped by state prosecutors.
Kim Stephens, Branch’s lawyer, told ESPN on Wednesday that the charges were dropped after Georgia state prosecutors examined the evidence, which included footage of the incident.
Stephens stated:
“Zachariah cooperated fully with law enforcement and did not commit a crime on the night of his arrest and never should have been arrested,”
“We are glad this matter is over and that Mr. Branch’s excellent reputation and good name [are] restored.”
Branch, 22, was charged with two misdemeanors: obstructing a law enforcement officer and impeding public sidewalks and streets. An Athens-Clarke County police officer accused Branch of failing “to comply with multiple verbal lawful commands” to not obstruct a public sidewalk, leading to his arrest at approximately 1:30 a.m. ET. A big throng had assembled outside a bar, according to a call that police had received.
Earlier in the day before to his arrest, Branch, an NFL draft third-round selection by the Falcons, had gone to Georgia’s spring football game. Zion Branch, his brother, plays safety for the Bulldogs.
After transferring from USC, Branch established Georgia’s single-season record last season with 81 receptions. In addition, he had six touchdowns and 811 receiving yards.
