Former Baylor DE Shawn Oakman Indicted on Sexual Assault Charge
Former Baylor University defensive end Shawn Oakman has been indicted on a charge of sexual assault, according to a recent announcement from the McLennan County grand jury. The indictment follows a months-long investigation into allegations made by a woman who claims that Oakman assaulted her in 2016.
Oakman, a standout player for the Baylor Bears football team and a highly regarded NFL draft prospect, was originally arrested in 2016 after the allegations surfaced. However, the charges were dropped the following year due to insufficient evidence. At the time, Oakman maintained his innocence, and the case was dismissed, but the indictment on new charges has reignited the controversy surrounding the former player.
The indictment alleges that Oakman, now 30, assaulted a woman at an off-campus residence in Waco, Texas. According to the victim’s testimony, the assault occurred after they had met and interacted in a social setting. The victim came forward with the allegations after what she described as a traumatic experience. Details of the indictment have not been made public, but the case has drawn significant attention given Oakman’s previous football career and the high-profile nature of the Baylor football program during his time there.
Shawn Oakman was one of the most dominant players in college football during his time at Baylor, known for his immense size and strength. He was widely considered one of the top defensive prospects heading into the 2016 NFL Draft but went undrafted, a decision many attributed to the legal issues surrounding the allegations.
Following the dismissal of the original charges in 2017, Oakman continued to pursue a professional football career, but his opportunities were limited, and he faced difficulties getting a foothold in the NFL. The new indictment has further complicated his future and revived public scrutiny of his past.
Oakman’s legal team has publicly denied the charges, stating that they will vigorously fight the allegations in court. “Shawn Oakman is innocent of these charges, and we are confident that the truth will come out,” said Oakman’s attorney in a statement.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the indictment has cast a shadow over Oakman’s once-promising career and serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that surround legal matters involving high-profile athletes. The case is expected to proceed to trial in the coming months, and Oakman faces potential legal consequences if convicted.
