Former wide receiver Kevaughn Dingle was charged with felony sexual-battery, but the charges were dropped on Tuesday.
SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE
Former USF wide receiver Kevaughn Dingle announced via Twitter on Tuesday that all criminal charges against him have been dropped. He will continue his academic and football career at Iowa Central Community College.
Dingle, who was an 18-year-old freshman at the time, was arrested on Nov. 17 by University Police (UP) on a felony sexual-battery charge after an incident at USF’s Holly C residence hall. Based on information gathered by officers at the scene, UP “developed sufficient cause” to charge Dingle with sexual battery, according to a UP release.
Dingle was suspended, then released from USF football. USF athletics released no statement in regard to the incident.
“False accusations hurt the real victims of sex crimes,” Dingle wrote on Twitter. “The accused deserves to have an unbiased investigation and a real chance to defend himself. The State Attorney’s Office gave me both of those things, but USF did not.”
Rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and Scout, Dingle was rated as the 14th best receiver recruit in Florida by Scout in 2016. In his senior season of high school, he won the Florida Class 6A State Championship at Carol City High School.
At USF, he never played a snap.
In his statement on Twitter, Dingle both gave thanks to those who supported him during his legal fight, as well as apologized to those who were impacted by the situation.
“I want to apologize to my parents for causing a financial hardship, but I commend the both of you for being strong and believing in me during this difficult process,” Dingle said. “I fault myself because I feel as if I let many people down by allowing myself to be put in a situation in which someone could accuse me of something that I didn’t do.
“I am humbled by all of your support and promise that I will not let you down. I respect women and have no respect for anyone who abuses them.”