Vikings running back Moe Williams accused of raping women

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 1, 1997) -- Minnesota Vikings running back Maurece "Moe" Williams will be issued a summons after a 21-year-old woman said he had raped her, officials said.

Williams, a former star at the University of Kentucky, was named in a complaint that should result in a summons to appear in Fayette District Court, said Fayette County Attorney Margaret Kannensohn.

The woman filed a criminal complaint against Williams early Wednesday, saying she had been raped, Kannensohn said. A police report dated Monday said Williams allegedly sexually assaulted the woman early Sunday.

The report said the woman was examined at the University of Kentucky emergency room for injuries that included contusions on her back. There were no additional details.

Kannensohn said she recommended issuing a summons for Williams instead of a warrant because the police did not find probable cause in the case. She said he also agreed to take a polygraph test, he was not a threat to the public, and court officials thought he would appear in court on time.

A hearing in the case would take place within the next week to 10 days, Kannensohn said. She said a judge was reviewing the matter Thursday and likely would issue a summons and set the court date.

Kannensohn said she didn't know who Williams was when she signed off on her staff's recommendation to issue the summons, and she said Williams did not get special treatment because he is a professional athlete.

"I did not know who he was and frankly I only look at the facts," Kannensohn said. "The purpose of the issuance of a warrant is to assure his presence in court and to assure the protection of society in the meantime. I have every reason to believe he will appear in court on time."

Williams, a 6-1, 200-pounder, rushed for 1,600 yards in his last season at Kentucky, setting a single-season record. He gave up his senior season at UK to enter the NFL draft in 1996.

A third-round choice, Williams saw limited playing time at running back for the Vikings last year but was emerging as a solid special teams player until suffering an ankle injury midway through the season. He had nine special teams tackles.


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