Roethlisberger Update: GBI Says Media Will 'Eat Crow'

It appears the police investigating the sexual assault allegation against Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Ben Roethisberger are getting a little testy. The ongoing media scrutiny of the investigative practices of the Milledgeville Police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) have apparently ruffled some feathers.

A spokesman for the GBI recently made some strange comments to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The GBI had taken the position that they would not comment on the investigation. When asked whether the authorities still wanted Roethlisberger's blood for DNA testing, GBI spokesman John Bankhead provided this terse response: "That came from Garland (Roethlisberger's attorney). We haven't said one way or the other."

Recently, a more talkative Bankhead told the Post-Gazette, "People who say this case is dragging along don't understand our procedures." Bankhead went on to say, "... there are all kinds of things we have to take into account, such as the availability of witnesses."

Asked whether investigators have encountered any difficulties in their probe, Bankhead responded by lashing out against the media, "No, other than with the media."

Bankhead appeared to crossed-the-line with the following diatribe, "There are a lot of people out there reporting things and repeating things that just are not true. They'll be eating crow later. It may taste delicious like Thanksgiving turkey now, but later on, when the facts come out, it'll taste like eating crow."

When Milledgeville police Chief Woodrow W. Blue Jr. was asked about Bankhead's comments, he didn't back away. According to the Post-Gazette he agreed with Bankhead's assessment and said the investigation ". . . will be over when it's over."

To read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10092/1047350-66.stm#ixzz0k4E9u5jv

Roethlisberger Investigation Unraveling?

Andy Sheehan of KDKA-TV is reporting that the investigation of the sexual assault against Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Ben Roethlisberger may be hitting a dead end. A 20 year-old college student has accused Roethlisberger of sexually assaulting her in the bathroom of a Georgia bar on March 5, 2010.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation originally requested a blood sample from Roethlisberger for purposes of DNA testing. According to Roethlisberger's attorney, Ed Garland, the police are no longer requesting a blood sample from Roethlisberger.

Normally, the police would have physical evidence if they request a DNA sample. There must be something to compare the DNA sample with. Now that the police no longer need a DNA sample indicates that the police do not have physical evidence to make a comparison. The original request may have been premature and could cause serious problems for the prosecution down the road.

KDKA's Sheehan is also reporting that the alleged victim is no longer cooperating with authorities. Apparently she failed to show up for a police interview last week and has not been interviewed since the initial complaint. Without the victim's cooperation this case is going nowhere.

First, it is disclosed that there is no physical evidence linking Roethlisberger with any crime and later it is learned that the alleged victim is uncooperative. Neither is fatal by itself but together they make the filing of criminal charges extremely unlikely.

To read more: http://kdka.com/sports/Ben.Roethlisberger.investigation.2.1587357.html

Roethlisberger Admittted to Contact with College Student

According to KDKA.com, Ben Roethlisberger admitted to police on the night of the alleged sexual assault that he had consensual contact with his accuser, a 20 year-old college student.

Georgia authorities have also requested than Roethlisberger submit a blood sample for DNA testing. This seems to suggest that there is some physical evidence for a DNA comparison.


Finally, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that two Pittsburgh area off-duty police officers were traveling with Roethlisberger. Neither officer has been interviewed by Georgia authorities. Roethlisberger's attorney Ed Garland reports he has assembled an investigation team of his own.

To read more: http://kdka.com/sports/Ben.Roethlisberger.allegations.2.1552180.html

A Football Fan's Guide to Georgia Law

In light of the allegations made against Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Ben Roethlisberger here is a quick rundown on Georgia law as compared to the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. CAVEAT: In Georgia, Pennsylvania and every other state an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Rape: Both Georgia and Pennsylvania have a rape statute. Both require engaging in sexual intercourse by force. It is worth noting that Georgia is the last state to sentence an offender to death for raping an adult.

Aggravated Sodomy: In Pennsylvania it is known as involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. Georgia defines it as contact between the sex organ of one person coming in contact with the mouth or anus of another person by force.

Aggravated Sexual Battery: In Pennsylvania this would be considered Aggravated Indecent Assault. In Georgia this is referred to as penetration of a sex organ with an object. This would more often than not be digital (finger) penetration.

Sexual Battery: In Pennsylvania this would be equivalent to Indecent Assault. In Georgia this is intentionally making contact" with a body part such as buttocks or breast.