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Newly signed Denver Broncos defensive end Antonio Smith is under investigation for child abuse, Colorado’s 9 News reports. According to the Ford Bend Sheriff’s Office, the 11-year NFL veteran has been accused of abusing the child in a sexual manner.
“In November 2014, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a criminal allegation against Antonio Smith,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “According to Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls, the allegation against Mr. Smith was sexual in nature. The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division conducted a thorough investigation and presented the information to the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office for review in February, 2015.”
It is now up to District Attorney John Healey Jr. to determine whether or not to move forward with the investigation and present findings to a grand jury or dismiss it. So far, no charges have been filed against Smith.
Last month, the 33-year-old signed a $2 million contract with the Denver Broncos. According to the team, they were not aware of the pending investigation at the time they signed Smith, whose contract only guarantees a $500,000 signing bonus.
“Last night, we became aware for the first time of an allegation involving Antonio Smith,” the Broncos said in a statement. “We are now in the process of gathering more information.”
Currently, the Sheriff’s Office is not releasing details regarding the investigation. However after speaking with a family source, TMZ is reporting that the alleged victim is actually a relative of Smith but is not an immediate family member. The source also claims that the accuser says the alleged sexual contact went on from December 2010 to January 2014 in Smith’s home outside of Houston, Texas.
The alleged victim also reportedly investigators that Smith told her “God has a plan,” and “some relationships are meant to go deeper than just blood lines.” So far, no charges have been filed against the athlete.
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