FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit, (813) 274-1901, [email protected]
TAMPA, FL (December 21, 2022) – Following a complete review of all the available evidence, the State Attorney’s Office (SAO) determined no charges will be filed as a result of an incident involving Antonio Brown that took place on November 28, 2022.
On the evening of November 28, 2022, the Tampa Police Department enlisted the assistance of the SAO to determine if probable cause existed to arrest Mr. Brown as a result of allegations involving domestic violence and battery. Based on the facts and circumstances known to both agencies from extensive on scene interviews by law enforcement of the alleged victim, it was determined that probable cause existed to issue an arrest warrant on one count of misdemeanor first degree battery.
The SAO then sought an in-person statement under oath from the alleged victim prior to making a final charging decision, including a determination of whether to upgrade the existing charge to a felony. The SAO’s investigation in the days following the initial incident determined that Mr. Brown’s prior guilty plea to a charge of misdemeanor battery in another county created the potential to upgrade the charge from the November 28, 2022, incident to a felony. Florida Statute 784.03 provides for enhanced charges when a suspect has a prior battery conviction. The crime of battery requires a defendant to actually and intentionally touch or strike another person against that person’s will or intend to cause bodily harm to another person.
The alleged victim cooperated with our office and appeared in-person on December 16th to speak with the Assistant State Attorney and Victim Assistance Advocate assigned to the case. After the alleged victim was sworn-in she recanted her previous allegations regarding Mr. Brown’s intent to strike her or cause her bodily harm. The SAO analyzed this new information along with the body worn camera video recorded at the scene, the Child Protective Services investigation, and the denial of a law enforcement’s Temporary Risk Protection Order and determined we could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt a battery took place. As a result, a letter of release was issued, which formalizes the SAO’s decision not to prosecute and withdraws the previously issued arrest warrant.
The SAO believes that all allegations of domestic violence should be investigated to the fullest extent possible. Cases involving domestic violence are often difficult and involve conflicting evidence. Despite these challenges, all victims deserve to be heard, supported and protected.
Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence should seek support through the Spring of Tampa Bay by calling or texting their hotline at 813-247-SAFE (7233).
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