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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- As of Thursday morning, Florida State freshman quarterback Jameis Winston had exercised his right not to speak with Tallahassee police or provide a statement in the ongoing investigation of a sexual assault complaint filed nearly a year ago, a source told ESPN's Joe Schad.
Winston's attorney, Tim Jansen, was originally contacted about the case in February. Since then, no charges have been filed and Winston has not been interviewed. On Wednesday, the case was turned over to the state attorney, who has asked the Tallahassee police to further investigate the allegations.
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Heisman front-runner Jameis Winston is involved in a sexual assault investigation stemming from a complaint filed in late 2012.
Attempts to reach Jansen on Thursday were unsuccessful.
Georgia Cappleman, chief assistant state attorney, said Thursday she could not speak as to why there was a delay in prosecutors receiving the case. She also said there is no timeline for a decision on how to proceed with the case, though no decision is expected within the next few days.
Typically, a delay can result from a lack of evidence or a lack of cooperation from the accuser.
Florida State released a statement Wednesday saying Winston's status with the team has not changed. The quarterback met with reporters later without addressing the investigation.
"We are aware of a matter that was investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department almost a year ago," the school said in the statement. "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."
The school was responding to multiple reports connecting Winston to an incident on Dec. 7. In response to those reports, police issued the following statement: "The Tallahassee Police Department has received several requests from local and national media for a case TPD received on December 7th, 2012, of an alleged sexual battery. The case was assigned to the Special Victims Unit. TPD is continuing its investigation and has consulted with the state attorney as to the direction of the case. A copy of the original report is attached to this email, which has been redacted to meet the requirements of Florida Statute 119."
The incident report does not name Winston and describes the offender as being between 5-foot-9 and 5-11. Winston is listed by Florida State as being 6-4.
Florida State is 9-0 and second in the BCS standings. The Seminoles host Syracuse on Saturday.
Winston has been spectacular in his first college season, passing for 2,661 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Information from ESPN's Mark Schlabach and David M. Hale was used in this report.
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