No Charges Against USC's Dennis

No Players To Be Charged Due To Lack Of Evidence

Sep 9, 2004 1:39 pm US/Pacific
LOS ANGELES (CBS) A sexual assault investigation involving USC running back Hershel Dennis and other players likely will not result in criminal charges because of a lack of evidence, it was reported Thursday.

"This case is effectively dead," a law enforcement source told the Los Angeles Times. "Barring a major change of evidence, there isn't going to be a prosecution."

The Los Angeles Police Department began the investigation three weeks ago after being contacted by a woman who reported that she had been sexually assaulted early on Aug. 16.

The incident allegedly occurred at the Cardinal Gardens housing complex near campus, where the defending national champion football team had been staying during summer training camp.

Law enforcement sources told The Times that Dennis has been considered the focus of the investigation, which the LAPD said could also involve other players. It is not clear what role Dennis played in the alleged incident.

Detectives sought to question Dennis and at least three other players, but all declined to be interviewed on the advice of attorneys, law enforcement sources told The Times. No one was arrested.

Dennis' attorney, Carmen Trutanich, told The Times: "We were always confident that when the true facts were brought to light, that the lack of wrongdoing on Hershel's part would be clear to all."

Dennis, 20, was removed from practice Aug. 17 and suspended indefinitely by Coach Pete Carroll for violating team rules. But he said Tuesday that coaches told him he would be reinstated next week, before the Trojans play at Brigham Young on Sept. 18, The Times reported.

Um, the "true facts" never came to light, because your client lawyered up.

Ever think that the guy was innocent?

And do you have a problem with people "lawyering up"


Sgatr15

Quoted: Ever think that the guy was innocent? And do you have a problem with people "lawyering up" Sgatr15

No, I have a problem with the lawyer making stupid statements with no basis in reality. What his lawyer should have said is ""We were always confident that no charges would be filed, due to a lack of physical evidence and Hershel's silence."

When you don't have civil justice, there will be vigilante justice.

Its only a matter of time before one of these athletes winds up dead at the hands of a victim or a victims family

Quoted: No, I have a problem with the lawyer making stupid statements with no basis in reality. What his lawyer should have said is ""We were always confident that no charges would be filed, due to a lack of physical evidence and Hershel's silence."

I can understand that.  I have had the same problem all this week with Police Chiefs stating the AWB has helped reduce crime and how it keeps FA weapons off the street.

So I guess we are even.

SGatr15

Quoted: Quoted: Um, the "true facts" never came to light, because your client lawyered up. So you're saying that you don't believe in our legal system or the right to an attorney? Or are you saying that when you are being investigated for a crime in which there isn't enough evidence to even charge you that you shouldn't get an attorney? What point are you trying to prove here? Michael

No he left out a step.

The defendant lawyered up

Lawyer had people intimadate victim and her family, who didn't have alumni and boosters paying their legal bills and could not defend themselves.

Victim does not cooperate

Charge dropped for lack of evidence since neither side wll now talk to police.

The thing to do with this is what most states have done with domestic violence copmplaints- SOMEONE goes to jail.  If you charge someone and then 'change your mind' YOU get charged with filing a false report or making false statements.

It has had a great effect in stopping this shit in that arrena.

Quoted: When you don't have civil justice, there will be vigilante justice. Its only a matter of time before one of these athletes winds up dead at the hands of a victim or a victims family

Don't wish it to happen but I won't shed a single tear if it does.  Asshole jocks have been getting away with such behavior for a long, long time.  They get spoiled by having teachers & coaches cover for them while in highschool & never grow up.  Star quarterback??  Then don't worry about actually showing up for class, coach will take care of it.  "Golden Boy" basketball center knocked up an underage girl, no problem, the Alumni & fans will pay her abortion & hush money (or use intimidation tactics to shut her up).  Thug behavior is awarded so why should these trained sports-monkeys act civil?