An attorney representing a woman who says several University of Arkansas basketball players raped her at a fraternity house on campus is asking for a special prosecutor.
Attorney John Bass filed the petition today in Washington County Circuit Court.
The petition asks the "Court appoint a Special Prosecutor to take over, investigate, and ultimately decide whether to bring charges in a matter recently closed by the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney's Office ("WCPAO")."
The alleged rape was originally reported back in September, but Washington County Prosecutor, John Threet, decided the evidence did not warrant filing charges in the case.
The petition cites Threet's closeness to University of Arkansas employees as a reason for the request saying: "It would not be wise nor fair to speculate why WCPAO has refused to take certain action in this case, despite ample reason to do so. However, it should be called to this Court's attention that John Threet has certain familial relations within the University of Arkansas athletic program that might cause his hesitance in prosecutions involving the program. Threet's father-in-law is former Athletic Director Frank Broyles, who despite retiring recently, continues to have a major impact on the program in his capacity as a full-time fundraiser for the University of Arkansas and the Razorback Foundation; upon information and belief, Mr. Broyles still retains an office in the Broyles Athletic Center. Further, Threet's brother-in-law is Kevin Trainor, who is the current athletic spokesperson for the UA."
The petition goes on to say, "Perhaps most troubling about this matter is the fact that it has been investigated wholly by a subpart of the University of Arkansas, UAPD. The alleged incident occurred in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house, which is owned by the UA, which could face civil liability as a result of the incident. Further, the Accused are members of the UA basketball team, from whose performance the UA derives substantial annual revenue from ticket and merchandising sales."
We spoke to Washington County Prosecutor, John Threet, who says, based on the investigation done by the UAPD, anything that happened was consensual.
UAPD spokesperson, Lt. Gary Crain, says the department feels they did an adequate investigation.
We will have more information on your 5NEWS at 5 and 6 p.m.
The alleged rape was originally reported back in September, but Washington County Prosecutor, John Threet, decided the evidence did not warrant filing charges in the case.
The petition cites Threet's closeness to University of Arkansas employees as a reason for the request saying: "It would not be wise nor fair to speculate why WCPAO has refused to take certain action in this case, despite ample reason to do so. However, it should be called to this Court's attention that John Threet has certain familial relations within the University of Arkansas athletic program that might cause his hesitance in prosecutions involving the program. Threet's father-in-law is former Athletic Director Frank Broyles, who despite retiring recently, continues to have a major impact on the program in his capacity as a full-time fundraiser for the University of Arkansas and the Razorback Foundation; upon information and belief, Mr. Broyles still retains an office in the Broyles Athletic Center. Further, Threet's brother-in-law is Kevin Trainor, who is the current athletic spokesperson for the UA."
The petition goes on to say, "Perhaps most troubling about this matter is the fact that it has been investigated wholly by a subpart of the University of Arkansas, UAPD. The alleged incident occurred in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house, which is owned by the UA, which could face civil liability as a result of the incident. Further, the Accused are members of the UA basketball team, from whose performance the UA derives substantial annual revenue from ticket and merchandising sales."
We spoke to Washington County Prosecutor, John Threet, who says, based on the investigation done by the UAPD, anything that happened was consensual.
UAPD spokesperson, Lt. Gary Crain, says the department feels they did an adequate investigation.
We will have more information on your 5NEWS at 5 and 6 p.m.
