| Gophers CB Jones charged with sexual misconduct |
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| Written by Admin |
| Monday, 16 July 2007 12:01 |
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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Minnesota cornerback Dominic Jones was charged Monday with third-degree criminal sexual conduct after investigators said they found cell phone video that showed him in a sex act with a woman who was ``physically helpless.'' Three other Gophers remain suspects in the case, which began in April after an 18-year-old woman said she had been raped at an apartment complex near campus. ``The charges represent a significant next step in this case,'' Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said. ``The charge is a serious one.'' Defensive end Alex Daniels, cornerback Keith Massey and running back E.J. Jones all were arrested and questioned in April. They have not been charged, but have been suspended by coach Tim Brewster. At a news conference, Freeman said the woman had come to the apartment complex with a friend and some Gopher players. He said she drank heavily with the players and had sex with three players before passing out. Dominic Jones arrived later and had sex with the woman while a teammate recorded video with a cell phone, Freeman said. The file had been deleted from the phone, but investigators recovered part of it, he said. The woman went to Regions Hospital for a sexual assault examination and it was determined there that she had a blood-alcohol level of more than 0.30 percent, Freeman said, ``a level at which motor function is lost.'' Dominic Jones is one of the Gophers' best defensive players. He's started 20 straight games over the last two seasons and has gained the reputation of a fiery competitor with a knack for making big hits despite being just 5-foot-8. Last season, Dominic Jones had two interceptions and 82 tackles, a high number for a cornerback. He also emerged as a standout kick returner, leading the Big Ten with a 23-yard average and returning one 99 yards for a touchdown against Cal. He went to the same high school in Columbus, Ohio as Daniels and Massey, who is Dominic Jones' half-brother. In a prepared statement, Brewster said Jones has been suspended. Athletic director Joel Maturi said the school is cooperating with the investigation. ``The conduct alleged in this case does not reflect the expectations and aspirations that the university has for its student-athletes or any of its students,'' Maturi said in the joint statement. ``Accordingly, appropriate disciplinary action will be considered as we gain more information.'' Dominic Jones' attorney, Earl Gray, declined comment. |
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