Accuser testifies against Mateen Cleaves in sexual assault case

DETROIT – Mateen Cleaves was back in court Thursday as his accuser took the stand for the first time in the sexual assault case against the former Michigan State University basketball player.

The alleged victim testified about how she met Cleaves during a charity golf event last year and described how she was sexually assaulted inside a Flint motel.

The woman said after having drinks with Cleaves at a bar, she left with him, thinking he was driving her back to the golf course. Instead, they ended up at a motel, where she said Cleaves forced himself on her, even dragging her back into the motel room when she tried to get away.

"I ran out of the room," she said. "He came out of the room a second time. I mouthed, 'Help me.'"

READ: Officer says he was pressured to make Mateen Cleaves look guilty

The defense is asking that all charges to be thrown out because the accuser didn't initially tell investigators about being sexually assaulted.

The hearing is expected to wrap up Friday, with the judge deciding whether Cleaves will stand trial.

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