Attorneys of ex-Baylor DL Shawn Oakman reportedly ask to leave case
Former Baylor defensive lineman Shawn Oakman was set to stand trial for sexual assault in August, but now things will likely be delayed.
The reason? Oakman’s lawyers want out.
The Waco Tribune reported Wednesday that Oakman’s attorneys, Russ Hunt and Michelle Tuegel, filed a motion to withdraw from the case altogether. The presiding judge, Ralph Strother, told the Tribune they did so because Oakman, who is facing a felony sexual assault charge, has not paid them.
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Oakman’s lack of representation will likely result in a delay. From the Tribune:
Oakman, contacted by phone Wednesday, said he is unsure about the state of his legal representation and declined additional comment.
Strother said he likely will set a hearing in Oakman’s case to discuss whether he will hire another lawyer or rely on the court to appoint him one at county expense. He is set for trial Aug. 22, but court officials said his trial likely will be postponed.
Oakman, Baylor’s all-time leader in sacks, was indicted for second-degree sexual assault in July 2016. The charge stems from an alleged April 2016 incident where a woman claims Oakman raped her. Oakman, who remains free on $50,000 bail, says the sex was consensual.
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The 6-foot-9, 275-pound Oakman was expected to be chosen in the 2016 NFL draft before his arrest. He landed at Baylor in 2012 after being dismissed from Penn State for violating team rules. During his three seasons with the Bears, he totaled 128 tackles, 46.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks.
He is one of four former Baylor players facing sexual assault charges. Tre’Von Armstead and Myke Chatman have both been indicted on sexual assault charges while Sam Ukwuachu is awaiting a retrial after his rape conviction was overturned by an appeals court in March.
Another ex-Baylor player, Tevin Elliott, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2014 for sexually assaulting a Baylor student in 2012.
For more Baylor news, visit SicEmSports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
