The former Spartans star, Mateen Cleaves has been charged with an alleged sexual assault that took place in September last year.
As reported in Detroit News, Cleaves has been charged with unlawful imprisonment, assault with intent to commit criminal sexual penetration, second-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. These charges carry a sentencing of up to 15 years in prison.
The alleged assault took place against a woman Cleaves met at a charity golf event on September 15. After drinking in a bar with a group of people including her boyfriend, the victim got into a car alone with Cleaves believing they were going back to the golf club. Instead he took her to a motel where he allegedly imprisoned and sexually assaulted her. The victim managed to escape and received assistance from a woman in a nearby room, according to CBS Detroit.
Wayne County Prosecutor, Kym Worthy released a statement saying that Cleaves’ actions “arose out of a sense of entitlement” and the evidence will show this.
The evidence in this case will show that the alleged actions of this defendant were not only criminal, but arose out of a sense of entitlement sometimes found in prominent people
Attorney Frank J. Manley, who is defending Cleaves in the case, believes his client will be cleared of the allegations and hits back at Worthy’s comments by saying it is “beyond the pale” to think Cleaves would use his status to sexually assault someone.
We think that it is beyond the pale that somebody would suggest that Mr. Cleaves would use his celebrity to take advantage of anyone, when just the opposite is true after he’s spent thousands of hours and dollars in aiding people in Flint
Cleaves retired in 2009 after a ten year professional career. He now works as an analyst for CBS Sports and hosts a radio show on SiriusXM.
