Sex-Abuse Case Against Former Canadian Football League Player Dismissed
Sex-abuse case against former Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Tom Porras who, after retiring, worked as a substitute teacher and athletics coach at an Arizona high school, has been dismissed.
Porras was arrested last April and charged with sexual abuse and misdemeanor sexual indecency involving a 17-year-old female student at his home.
Porras, who played four seasons in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1985-88), retired from pro football in 1996, was a substitute teacher at Saguaro High in Scottsdale, as well as an assistant football and track coach.
On Tuesday, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Helene Abrams granted a request by the county Attorney's Office to dismiss the case without prejudice, meaning it can be refiled.
Prosecutors wanted the case thrown out because they disagree with the judge's decision in January to eliminate two confessions the 49-year-old Porras made to police involving the incident.
Attorney's Office spokesman Barnett Lotstein said Wednesday that prosecutors will file an appeal in the state Court of Appeals regarding the judge's decision to throw out the confessions. He said even if the appeal is not granted, prosecutors will refile charges.
Porras's lawyer has argued his client's constitutional rights were violated when police officers continued to question Porras after he attempted to invoke his right to remain silent and seek an attorney.
Porras played 17 pro seasons. In addition to his time in the CFL, he also played in the the Arena Football League and the United States Football League.
Porras was arrested last April and charged with sexual abuse and misdemeanor sexual indecency involving a 17-year-old female student at his home.
Porras, who played four seasons in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1985-88), retired from pro football in 1996, was a substitute teacher at Saguaro High in Scottsdale, as well as an assistant football and track coach.
On Tuesday, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Helene Abrams granted a request by the county Attorney's Office to dismiss the case without prejudice, meaning it can be refiled.
Prosecutors wanted the case thrown out because they disagree with the judge's decision in January to eliminate two confessions the 49-year-old Porras made to police involving the incident.
Attorney's Office spokesman Barnett Lotstein said Wednesday that prosecutors will file an appeal in the state Court of Appeals regarding the judge's decision to throw out the confessions. He said even if the appeal is not granted, prosecutors will refile charges.
Porras's lawyer has argued his client's constitutional rights were violated when police officers continued to question Porras after he attempted to invoke his right to remain silent and seek an attorney.
Porras played 17 pro seasons. In addition to his time in the CFL, he also played in the the Arena Football League and the United States Football League.
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