Prosecutor reviewing ‘additional information’ on Mizzou football players’ harassment case
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Boone County prosecutor says he is reviewing “additional information” in the harassment case involving three Mizzou football players before making a decision on whether or not to charge them.
Three MU freshmen — — defensive back Ahmod Billins, cornerback Trashundon Neal and wide receiver Karsten Fiene — were arrested on Oct. 5 on suspicion of first-degree harassment, a felony, but Columbia police would not disclose any information about their arrests.
A Columbia Police Department incident report says three women were listed as victims for an alleged incident that occurred on Sept. 29. The report also states the investigation was related to a “past burglary” in the 600 block of South Fourth Street.
Previous reporting says the prosecutor assigned ot the case was expected to make a decision on charges before Oct. 19.
“The Office has received additional information from counsel for the arrestees that requires further review and investigation before a charging decision can be made,” Boone County Prosecutor Roger Johnson said in a statement. “We are continuing to evaluate the available information and conduct the necessary follow-up investigation. The matter remains under review, and we will not comment further while that process is ongoing. An arrest or criminal charge is just an accusation, and persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial.”
The players’ attorney Jeff Hillbrenner told ABC 17 News in a text message that the incident allegedly stemmed from “an ongoing, back-and-forth series of college pranks involving both groups.”
“All three of my clients have cooperated fully with the investigation,” Hillbrenner wrote. “We believe the evidence demonstrates that this was a series of mutual college pranks, not criminal harassment, and we’re hopeful the Prosecuting Attorney’s office will agree that criminal charges aren’t warranted.”
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