Florida prosecutors have talked to the woman accusing Florida State star quarterback Jameis Winston of sexually abusing her, according to ESPN.
The website reports investigators spoke with the woman on Thursday and state attorney for the Second District Willie Meggs is now expected to to meet with staff members to determine if they believe there is sufficient evidence to seek formal charges against the redshirt freshman and Heisman Trophy candidate. Meggs previously told ESPN he does anticipate taking the case in front of a grand jury.
The alleged attack took place on night of Dec. 7, 2012 at an off campus apartment where it has been reported the woman had been drinking. ESPN has since reported the woman withdrew from classes at FSU after details of the incident were made public.
After it was reported this week that DNA matching Winston's was found on the woman's underwear, lead defense attorney Tim Jansen told reporters the sexual encounter between the two was "absolutely" consensual.
"We are not surprised with the results of the DNA," Jansen told reporters. "We voluntarily submitted to a DNA [test]; the only thing we are surprised by is it was leaked out by law enforcement. The question the people should ask is why is it being leaked? For what purpose?"
Jansen also insists he has obtained and submitted to prosecutors sworn statements from at least two witnesses who support his client's versions of events that night.
Meanwhile, Patricia Carroll, the accuser's Tampa, Fla.-based attorney, told ESPN the woman is not seeking financial gain or any other benefits by talking to law enforcement authorities who are investigating the case.
"It is absolutely untrue," said Carroll. "This is a victim of rape, which occurred on Dec. 7. She identified this guy sometime in January. This whole situation -- think about it, think about it -- if she wanted to ruin this guy, she would have done it a long time ago."
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