Criminal investigation complete in MSU football sexual assault case

Evidentiary materials have been turned in to prosecutors

EAST LANSING, Mich. – New information was released Tuesday in a sexual assault scandal that has rocked the Michigan State University football program.

Three players are under investigation for the alleged rape of a coed on campus. The players have been suspended from the team, and a staffer is on paid leave for an investigation into how the case has been handled.

The Ingham County Prosecutor's Office said the criminal investigation is complete. All extra evidentiary materials prosecutors asked for have been turned in, and they're in the process of making a charging decision.

Officials said the alleged rape happened on campus in January. The student who said she was sexually assaulted reported what happened, and the university has two investigations ongoing.

One investigation involves what happened, and the other involves the football team's compliance with university policy.

Local 4 is not naming the three players facing rape accusations because they haven't been charged. Two of the players are from Detroit, and the other is from out of state.

All three players have been removed from university housing and suspended from the team, but they are still allowed to attend classes and their scholarships are still in place.

Curtis Blackwell, the team's director of college advancement and performance, has been placed on paid leave.

Sources told Local 4 a charging decision will be made shortly by the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office.

Stay with ClickOnDetroit.com for updates.


About the Authors:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.