Ex-Buffalo Bills player Matt Araiza and former SDSU's football teammates will not be indicted in the wake of an alleged gang rape involving a minor last Fall at an off-campus party, says San Diego County District Attorney's Office.
The District Attorney's office made the announcement earlier today, following a civil lawsuit that was filed on August 27 against the former SDSU football player and two other former college teammates, Zavier Leonard and Nowlin Ewaliko.
According to the case, Araiza and the two former teammates had sex with a then-17-year-old minor at an off-campus college party in October of 2021.
The then-17-year-old reported the allegation to San Diego police the day after the off-campus party. However, San Diego police turned the investigation over to attorneys for further review nine months later on August 5.
District Attorney's office said in a statement that in the end, prosecutors were unable to find clear evidence that could lead to a potential criminal indictment.
“Ultimately, prosecutors determined it is clear the evidence does not support the filing of criminal charges and there is no path to a potential criminal conviction,” the D.A. office said in a statement. “Prosecutors can only file charges when they ethically believe they can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The plaintiff's attorney, Dan Gilleon, responded to ESPN regarding Wednesday's announcement.
"I am never surprised when a prosecutor does not file sexual assault charges when the victim was intoxicated," said the plaintiff's attorney. "It's a very rare case where the criminal justice system achieves anything satisfactory for the victim in a sexual assault.
"The lawsuit we filed is not in the criminal justice system. … It is only in the civil system that a victim of sexual assault can achieve justice, and we plan to do just that," Gilleon added.
Matt Araiza reacted to the District Attorney's announcement through his agency with the following:
"I am grateful that the District Attorney and the San Diego Police Department have discovered all the facts and found no criminal wrongdoing. I am excited to continue my NFL career."
A civil suit remains in progress.
