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Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
What the police report made by Jake Retzlaff's accuser says
The Provo Police Department released a report Friday made by a woman alleging she was sexually assaulted while on a date with a man she declined to name but police say is likely the incident referred to in a civil lawsuit she filed against BYU quarterback Jake Ratzleff. Along with the incident report, which was made public as a result of a Deseret News request under Utah's Government Records Access and Management Act, police provided a letter of explanation. On Wednesday, a woman identified in court documents as Jane Doe A.G. filed a civil lawsuit in Salt Lake City against Ratzleff alleging he 'raped, strangled and bit' her in his apartment on Nov. 22, 2023. Mark Baute, an attorney for Ratzleff, issued a statement Wednesday saying Retzlaff is 'factually innocent' and that he will 'establish Jake's innocence through the judicial system.' Ratzleff has not been criminally charged. Retzlaff's name does not appear in the police report released Friday. The woman's name is redacted in the report. The officer who took the woman's report over the phone on Nov. 27, 2023, noted that she was willing to describe the events that took place, but hesitated at identifying the suspect. According to the report, she 'described her male friend as a 20-year-old man who she had known since childhood.' She told police they went on a 'date recently, where she went to his house.' At some point, they started kissing and he bit her lip in 'such a way that it kept her mouth shut.' She told the officer that despite not taking any 'unusual substances,' she began to lose consciousness and 'blacked out' several times, according to the report. 'She mentioned that his hand went around her neck for a bit. She recalled waking up and leaving after blacking out,' the report says. 'When asked directly, she stated that the encounter was not consensual 'that I can remember.'' The woman described that man as having dark hair but hesitated to describe him in greater detail and told the officer she wanted to wait a few days to think about identifying him. The report says she expressed apprehension about the possibility that he would find out that she had called police and the officer encouraged her to call as soon as she felt comfortable. The officer forwarded the case to Provo's special victims unit. The officer also met with a forensic nurse at American Fork Hospital on Nov. 27, 2023, where she gave the officer a sexual assault evidence kit, which the officer took to the police station and placed into evidence, the report says. On Nov. 30, 2023, another Provo officer reviewed the case and noted that the officer who took the initial report indicated that the woman was reluctant to provide suspect information and would contact police if she decided to go further. Police closed the case pending her providing more information and desiring to move forward with the investigation, the report says. In its public records request, the Deseret News sought all Provo police reports relating to Jake Ratzleff from 2023 through 2025. The letter of explanation that accompanied the release of the incident report says the department has no such records in its system nor does it have any police reports from that time period alleging a sexual assault by an unnamed BYU football player. 'We are, of course, aware of the recent news coverage of a lawsuit filed by a woman with the initials A.G. stating that she was sexually assaulted in November 2023 by Jake Retzlaff,' according to the letter signed by Angela Galbraith, Provo Police records supervisor. 'Because the complaint alleged this assault had been reported to Provo Police, the department issued a press release indicating that they believe they have identified the relevant report.' In her lawsuit, Jane Doe A.G. claims that after she reported the alleged sexual assault, Provo Police 'encouraged her not to do anything because, as they claimed, 'sexual assault victims never get justice.'' The police department in its Wednesday statement disputed the claim that an officer told the woman sexual assault victims don't get justice. 'From everything we have reviewed, this is not true. We have a team of dedicated investigators and victim advocates whose sole mission is to provide justice to victims of sexual abuse. They do not send people away, warning them there is no justice for victims,' Provo police spokeswoman Janna-Lee Holland said in the statement. Records show the department received a phone report on Nov. 27, 2023, from a woman with the initials A.G. who gave a similar account to the one in the lawsuit, according to Holland. Holland said she was treated with 'courtesy and care' and given several opportunities to identify her abuser but declined to do so, and the case was subsequently closed. She said 'collected evidence was examined, and it revealed no actionable investigative leads.' The department's victim advocates followed up several times to offer services but received no response, Holland said. 'Because the civil suit does not identify the victim, we cannot be certain our police report is the same incident referenced by the plaintiff, but it does seem likely given the information we have,' according to Holland.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
BYU QB's legal issues: What's next in the Jake Retzlaff civil lawsuit?
A prominent Salt Lake City lawyer who has been on both sides of the aisle as a sex crimes prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney said that the civil lawsuit filed Wednesday against Jake Retzlaff — alleging that the BYU quarterback committed assault and battery on a Salt Lake County woman 18 months ago — is 'problematic and damaging,' but could be worse. Greg Skordas, a 38-year legal veteran who was the Democratic candidate for Utah Attorney General in 2020, told the Deseret News Thursday that it is important to remember that 'Jane Doe AG vs. Retzlaff, Jake' is a civil suit and not a criminal complaint. 'It is much less damaging than would be a criminal case,' Skordas said when asked how much trouble the rising senior quarterback is in. 'I mean, a criminal case has significant consequences. For a rape, what could be five years to life in prison. This is a financial case, solely a financial case.' The case has been assigned to 3rd District Court Judge Coral Sanchez, according to an amended complaint filed Thursday by the anonymous plaintiff's attorney, Terence L. Rooney. Skordas said the amended complaint changes some 'technical stuff' and is mostly similar to the original complaint. 'They just did some things wrong' in the complaint filed Wednesday, he said. 'No important changes.' The lawsuit seeks 'greater than $300,000 each' for as many as three causes of action: battery, assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress, according to court documents. 'I am not saying that (the civil lawsuit) is not still a problem, but in my opinion it is a lesser problem,' Skordas said. 'And it does not appear, from anything that we are hearing, although things could change, that there is going to be a criminal case.' As of Thursday evening, no criminal charges had been filed by the Utah County Attorney's Office, the jurisdictions where Retzlaff resides and where the alleged assault is said to have taken place — in the bedroom of Retzlaff's apartment. Provo police issued a lengthy statement Wednesday night saying the plaintiff's story, as outlined in the court documents, that police discouraged her from filing a police report when she reported the alleged crime on Nov. 27, 2023, 'is not true.' Skordas said he wouldn't be surprised if the case is transferred to Utah County, because Retzlaff resides there and that is where the alleged incident happened. 'You would assume this case would be better tried in Utah County, but I don't know that that is important,' Skordas said. Along with naming Retzlaff as a defendant, the plaintiff also names John Does 1-50, signifying that her attorney believes there could be other people who concealed the misconduct, or failed to take steps to protect the alleged victim from Retzlaff. 'It could be the Provo police (who are the John Does in mind), but by all accounts, it looks like the Provo police did act on her complaints,' Skordas said, referring to the statement from PPD. 'She was reluctant to name him. She seems fairly reluctant to want to participate in any criminal prosecution. So I don't think there is a lot of evidence that the Provo police dropped the ball on this. That's just my own take on it.' Within hours of the lawsuit being filed, Retzlaff's family retained California attorney Mark D. Baute, who is most known for successfully defending NBA star Derrick Rose and his friends in a rape case. Baute issued a statement Wednesday saying Retzlaff is 'factually innocent' and that he will 'establish Jake's innocence through the judicial system.' Baute did not respond to the Deseret News' request for an interview on Thursday. Skordas said if the case eventually goes to trial — a process that will take 'probably between a year and a half to two years,' it could cost Retzlaff dearly in the pocketbook. He is assuming the plaintiff's attorney took the case on a contingency basis, much like personal injury lawyers do. The firm of Gross & Rooney, to which the aforementioned Rooney belongs, describes itself as 'personal injury and business trial attorneys' on its website. 'It could cost (the Retzlaff family) tens of thousands of dollars,' Skordas said. 'It depends on how far it goes. If it goes all the way to a jury trial, you could approach six figures.' According to court documents, Retzlaff had not been served notice as of Thursday night. After he's served, his attorneys will have 21 days to file a response, and the process will begin in earnest. BYU issued a statement Wednesday regarding the allegations and civil lawsuit against arguably its most prominent student-athlete (until No. 1 prep basketball recruit AJ Dybantsa begins playing for the Cougars in November) via Jon McBride, the school's associate athletic director for communications and media strategy. 'BYU became aware today that a civil lawsuit involving Jake Retzlaff had been filed this morning,' the statement read. 'The university takes any allegation very seriously, following all processes and guidelines mandated by Title IX. Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment.' The Deseret News has requested through BYU's University Communications to speak with a representative from BYU's Title IX Office. 'The school may take up a Title IX investigation, if it chooses,' Skordas said. 'That sort of remains to be seen.' Retzlaff, who is from Corona, California, and is the first Jewish quarterback in BYU football history, received his degree in exercise and wellness and participated in graduation ceremonies last month. To remain eligible, he will need to take at least one graduate-level class as he goes about his final season in Provo, although that season is clearly in jeopardy. Of course, as a student Retzlaff is subject to BYU's Honor Code, a set of behavioral standards that all students, faculty and staff at the school supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are expected to follow. The code encompasses various aspects of personal conduct, including chastity and avoiding premarital sex. BYU has an Honor Code Office that 'has the responsibility to address behaviors that violate the university's code of conduct,' according to its website. 'While a separation from the university may occasionally be necessary, we believe that as students engage in an educational Honor Code process, we can address almost all behaviors without any need for separation from the university,' the website notes. 'In fact, over 95% of our cases are resolved with the student remaining fully enrolled at BYU, with only about five students being expelled each year from a population of 35,000 students.'
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS BYU QB Jake Retzlaff accused of rape and strangulation in lawsuit that claims cops urged victim to stay quiet
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has been accused of rape, strangulation and biting by a Utah woman, who claims the police were uncooperative. The lawsuit, filed in Utah on Wednesday, claims Provo cops encouraged the woman to remain silent, allegedly teller her: 'Sexual assault victims never get justice.' Provo police have rejected her accusations. The woman is identified in her lawsuit as Jane Doe A.G. 'A year and half after the rape and strangulation, Jane Doe A.G. continues to experience extreme post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma symptoms as she works to process what happened and move on,' the lawsuit states. Retzlaff's attorney, Mark Baute, rejected her accusations in his own statement. 'We look forward to proving that innocence,' Baute said. 'Jake's focus this year will be on football. We don't try cases in the media, we will respect the process and establish Jake's innocence through the judicial system.' MORE TO FOLLOW...
Fox News
22-05-2025
- Fox News
BYU football player Jake Retzlaff accused of 2023 sexual assault in lawsuit
A lawsuit filed by a Utah woman accused BYU football player Jake Retzlaff of a sexual assault at his home in Novemeber 2023, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. The woman, listed in the filing as Jane Doe A.G., says she reported her allegations to police. The accuser said she and Retzlaff initially made contact via social media. Retzlaff is being sued for alleged battery, assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress. According to the lawsuit, the woman is seeking punitive damages from the BYU quarterback. As of Wednesday, Retzlaff does not face any criminal charges. Mark Baute, Retzlaff's attorney, issued a statement saying the BYU quarterback is "factually innocent." Baute also described his client as a "nice young man." Retzlaff made the move from California to Utah in 2023 when he transferred to BYU. He led the Cougars to an 11-2 record last season. He is BYU's first known Jewish starting quarterback. The university is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Reuters
22-05-2025
- Reuters
Reports: BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff sued for sexual assault
May 22 - BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff was accused of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit filed Wednesday in Salt Lake (Utah) County, according to multiple media reports. The lawsuit alleges that Retzlaff committed the assault in November 2023 at his home in Provo, Utah. The woman filing the lawsuit -- listed as Jane Doe A.G. -- has sued Retzlaff for alleged battery, assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress. According to the lawsuit, one of the reasons for the delay between the alleged incident and the filing of the civil charges is that Provo police, when the alleged victim linked Retzlaff's name to the assault, suggested that she stay quiet because "sexual assault victims never get justice." In a statement, Retzlaff attorney Mark Baute declared his client to be "factually innocent." "I have met him, and he is a nice young man," said Baute, who successfully defended former NBA star Derrick Rose on federal sexual assault charges in 2016. "He is also factually innocent, and we look forward to proving that innocence. Jake's focus this year will be on football. We don't try cases in the media. We will respect the process and establish Jake's innocence through the judicial system." The lawsuit describes Retzlaff, then 20, and the alleged victim as initiating contact via social media before Jane Doe and her friend visited Retzlaff's home in November 2023. After a period of time, the friend left and Retzlaff and Jane Doe started to watch a movie in his room and began kissing. The lawsuit says Jane Doe did not want to go any further and asked him to "stop," but Retzlaff eventually found a condom and assaulted her. A few days later, she went to the hospital and a rape kit was used for purposes of gathering and preserving any potential evidence of assault. Doe also reportedly told Provo police of the incident at this time, yet did not invoke Retzlaff's name. BYU released a statement Wednesday: "BYU became aware today that a civil lawsuit involving Jake Retzlaff had been filed this morning. The university takes any allegation very seriously, following all processes and guidelines mandated by Title IX. Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment." Retzlaff, a California native who began his career playing for Riverside (Calif.) City College, transferred to BYU prior to the 2023 season. After starting the final four games of the 2023 season, Retzlaff won a training-camp battle to become the Cougars' regular quarterback in 2024. He led them to an 11-2 record that included an Alamo Bowl win over Colorado. He finished the year with 2,947 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound redshirt senior is expected to reprise his role this fall. --Field Level Media
