24-year-old Shawn Oakman was indicted by a McLennan County grand jury on one count of sexual assault of a Baylor student in April of this year.
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It’s hard to say how Oakman’s indictment reflects on Baylor, because he was not a student at the time of the incident.
Oakman is Baylor’s all time sack leader, but his name has been in the news for his transgressions rather than his play on the field.
His attorney, Michelle Tuegel, said Wednesday that Oakman maintains his innocence in the case. It is important that we not rush to judgment.
The affidavit, drafted by Waco police Detective Sam Key, said the woman met Oakman at a Baylor-area bar on Speight Avenue and Oakman asked her if she wanted to go to his residence. “We look forward to vigorously defending Mr. Oakman and presenting the facts involved in this situation”. The woman left in the morning, but told police that she left her panties and an earring in Oakman’s residence. The couple allegedly walked to the nearby apartment and the player then allegedly forced her into a bedroom where he sexually assaulted her, the Tribune-Herald reported.
According to reports, Oakman was originally dismissed from Penn State University in 2012 for shoplifting and violation of team rules.
Oakman was also accused of assault by an ex-girlfriend in 2013. The alleged victim decided not to pursue charges. Tevin Elliott was convicted sexually assaulting Jasmin Hernandez and sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2014.
At least two other women alleged Elliot sexually assaulted them as well.
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Baylor hired a law firm to investigate the way it handles sexual assault allegations, leading to the firing of head coach Art Briles and resignations of president Ken Starr and athletic director Ian McCaw.
