Report: FSU's Heisman Hopeful Under Police Investigation

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – Florida State's starting quarterback, Jameis Winston, is reportedly the focus of a sexual battery investigation.

The Tallahassee Police Department said Wednesday it is investigating an alleged sexual battery that occurred last December. According to CBS4's news partners at the Miami Herald, TMZ and The Tallahassee Democrat are reporting that FSU's Winston is the focus of the investigation.

No charges have been filed, and Winston has denied the allegations through his attorney, Tim Jansen, according to the paper.

"This case has been going on for over a year,"Jansen told The Democrat. "The case was basically closed and we're not sure why it's opened up. We've been cooperating with the law enforcement agencies and we're hoping to get a quick resolution in favor of Mr. Winston."

Jansen said Winston has not been interviewed by police or prosecutors, the paper reports.

The FSU athletic department said in a statement: "We are aware of a matter that was investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department almost a year ago. Because the investigation has not been closed by TPD, we cannot comment further at this time. We look forward to a speedy resolution of the issue. There is no change in Jameis Winston's status. Coach Jimbo Fisher and Jameis will be answering questions about football only until there is a resolution."

The complaint was filed Dec. 7, 2012, according to TPD reports.

"The case is open and active and the victim is working with the State Attorney's Office," said Officer David Northway, spokesman for the TPD.

Winston, who has led Florida State to a 9-0 record and emerged as the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, was not named in the police report. The alleged perpetrator is described as a "polite" male who is "muscular" with a "dark complexion."

The police report says the alleged perpetrator is between 5-9 and 5-11. Winston is listed as 6-4 and 235 pounds.

According to the police report cited by TMZ, someone called the Tallahassee PD at 4:01 a.m. on Dec. 7, 2012. The alleged victim said drinking was involved before the incident which occurred in an apartment and that the motive for the alleged crime was "sexual gratification."

TMZ also said when police arrived, photos were taken of the alleged victim's injuries and physical evidence was collected.

Winston, a freshman, has thrown for 2,661 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Earlier this week, Coach Fisher announced that the team's backup quarterback, Jacob Coker, would be sidelined due to knee surgery.

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