Yahoo Sports Ex-Falcons LB Barkevious Mingo cleared of 'indecency with a child' charges
Indecency with a child-sexual contact charges filed against longtime linebacker Barkevious Mingo were dismissed on Friday, according to ESPN, after a Texas grand jury offered a “no-bill” on the charge.
The ruling from the Tarrant County grand jury means that they couldn’t find sufficient evidence to prosecute Mingo on the charges.
“Today’s decision is the first step in restoring Keke’s good name,” his lawyer, Chris Lewis, told ESPN. “And successfully brings to a close what has been a painful and uncertain chapter in his life.”
Lewis told ESPN that Mingo took a voluntary polygraph exam, which he said determined that Mingo was telling the truth. The grand jury testimony is kept private.
Barkevious Mingo arrested in July on indecency with a child charges
Warning: The following section contains alleged details of an alleged sexual assault.
Mingo was arrested by the Arlington Police Department in July and booked for “indecency with a child, sexual contact.” His contract with the Falcons was terminated just hours later.
Mingo allegedly invited two teenage boys, a family member of his and his friend, to spend the day with him over the July 4 holiday weekend in 2019. After allegedly spending the day taking trips to an amusement park, a go-kart complex and dinner at a Dallas-area steakhouse, the three returned to Mingo’s hotel room — which they all allegedly shared.
The friend of Mingo’s family member, who was 13 at the time, then said he woke up and found Mingo in bed with him. The alleged victim then said he pretended to be asleep while Mingo pulled at his underwear, put a burning lotion on him and rubbed his penis up and down along the victim’s buttocks.
The boy’s mother filed a police complaint in January 2021.
Mingo denied the accusations through an attorney after his arrest, and has maintained his innocence throughout.
Mingo spent eight years in the league, starting with the Cleveland Browns, who took him with the No. 6 overall pick in 2013 out of LSU. The 31-year-old spent time with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans and Chicago Bears before signing with the Falcons this past offseason.
It’s unclear if Mingo, who is currently a free agent, will attempt to return to the NFL.
