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Should the Houston Police Department or the Harris County District Attorney undertake to investigate the current civil sexual misconduct lawsuits against Deshaun Watson, the Houston Texans quarterback would be available to cooperate with authorities, according to the Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin.
The statement was made by Hardin on Thursday, after the attorney for the 21 women who filed the civil lawsuits canceled the class earlier in the week and said he would not release information to the Houston Police Department.
Lawyer Tony Buzbee, who represents the alleged victims at the center of the prosecution, now says he is afraid to pass information to the HPD because of statements he made in the past criticizing incumbent Police Chief Art Acevedo. Buzbee had previously said he would turn over information to authorities in Houston and seek to create a grand jury that could weigh potential charges against Watson.
The change of course and Buzbee’s explanation angered Acevedo, who tweeted that any apprehension about HPD on Buzbee’s part was “unfounded”. Acevedo, who is leaving Houston to take over as Miami Police Chief, added: “We are ready to investigate all allegations.”
If this invitation from Acevedo was not enough to motivate Buzbee to follow up on his previous statement, Hardin went even further on Thursday, essentially suggesting that Buzbee was refusing to pass information to the police because it would ultimately quash the charges he has. brought. against Watson. Hardin added that Watson would cooperate if an investigation was opened.
Hardin’s statement, in its entirety:
“Since March 19, Mr. Tony Buzbee has repeatedly promised to submit evidence to the Houston Police Department in support of his anonymous clients’ complaints against Deshaun Watson. So far, he hasn’t. Now, in response to media inquiries, Mr Buzbee has completely abandoned his promise and, in his own words, will go “elsewhere to provide his evidence to the investigating authorities.”
“His last excuse for not having recourse to the police is also his weakest. Anyone who has dealt with HPD, as I have for many years, would know that Mr. Buzbee’s suggestion that the Ministry overlook legitimate complaints based on a family connection with one of its agents is ludicrous. It is also insulting to the dedicated professionals of HPD and to common sense. Mr Buzbee’s alleged fear of HPD bias is inconsistent with his earlier praise for the Ministry’s response to his home burglary during his recent mayoral campaign. See Exhibit 1 below.
“I would respectfully suggest that Mr. Buzbee’s failure to approach law enforcement is not the result of an unfounded fear that HPD will not fairly investigate.” Instead, it’s knowing that its parade of anonymous allegations could not survive the rigorous investigation of trained investigators or the need to vouch for the veracity of the allegations under oath.
“For our part, we will continue to educate ourselves on the cases in any way we can. We and Deshaun will always be available to any law enforcement or regulatory agency that wishes our cooperation.
“Apparently Mr. Buzbee doesn’t want to do the same.”
As of Thursday evening, Buzbee had not responded to Hardin’s statement.
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