Decision in Jameis Winston investigation to come Thursday

[alp227]

Source: Tallahassee Democrat

Florida State star quarterback Jameis Winston will learn Thursday whether he will be charged with sexual battery in the alleged rape of a fellow student.

State Attorney Willie Meggs, whose office took over the investigation last month from Tallahassee police, said he plans to make the announcement at 2 p.m. at his office.

The decision will end more than three weeks of intense, national scrutiny of the case involving the leader of FSU’s No. 1-ranked football team, which has prompted sharp criticism of how the Tallahassee Police Department handled the on-again, off-again investigation of a Dec. 7, 2012, incident.

Evidence gathered by investigators the day of the incident matched Winston’s DNA collected by police last month. Winston’s attorney dismissed the connection, insisting sex between his client and the accuser was consensual.

Read more: http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20131204/NEWS/131204012/Decision-Jameis-Winston-investigation-come-Thursday

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Meggs is an alum of Florida State and served in the Tallahassee Police in the late '60s and early '70s. Uh oh. Why is HE allowed to take over the investigation of a Florida State football player after the Tallahassee Police bungled and possibly covered this up? Couldn't the Florida Attorney General have appointed an out-of-region special prosecutor like was done for George Zimmerman? (Jacksonville-area State Attorney Angela Corey unsuccessfully prosecuted the Orlando-area Zimmerman.)

And Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi recently wrote, "State attorney can't win in Jameis Winston sexual assault case":

Whether or not this incredible season continues depends upon Meggs, who has lived his entire life in Tallahassee. Criminal charges against Winston would make Meggs the most unpopular man in his hometown since Steve Spurrier coached the Gators. And if he doesn't press charges, there will be those who point to his FSU law degree and accuse him of being just another jock-sniffing law enforcement official in a college football town.

On the other hand there has got to be a reason why Florida State has gotten high Fulmer Cup rankings (Fulmer Cup ranks how many college football players from a particular team get arrested).

Sigh. If no OJ Simpson style police chase occurs tonight, most likely Florida has let ANOTHER criminal walk free after Casey Anthony and George Zimmerman.

[jmowreader]

1. As far as the FSU season goes, it'll probably end the same way no matter what Meggs does

The secret to FSU's dominance this year is depth. Overlook for a second the fact the Seminoles could beat half the teams in the NFL by two touchdowns; right now, they could beat most of those guys without dressing any starters. And Sean Maguire is the best quarterback in the ACC not named Jameis Winston.

If Jameis Winston were to be thrown in jail right now, FSU will still beat Duke by three touchdowns on Saturday and will beat Ohio State in the Rose Bowl on January 6 by two.

[dballance]

2. He's a total dumbass for not recusing himself.

Maybe he thought he could keep it all under wraps in the good old boys network.

Welcome to the cyber-age Meggs. You can't just shake hands with the locals anymore and expect it to all go away.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

3. Why would an "OJ Simpson style chase" occur?

Explain this, please.

[KeepItReal]

4. FSU bred investigator didn't want to mess up Winston's Heisman vote tally coming up

I keep thinking it's not the crime, or lack thereof, it's the cover up.

[Kurska]

5. "Florida has let ANOTHER criminal walk free "

Wow, what a ridiculous thing to say in this case. Barely any significant details have even leaked to the public. Given the complete lack of specifics, the fact you've already decided that this young man is guilty says more about your possible biases than the case itself.

Is it really so much to ask for people to at least wait for the harder evidence comes out at trial before making such sweeping pronouncements of guilt or even innocence.