Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson won't face criminal charges in connection with sexual misconduct allegations

HOUSTON — A grand jury has declined to indict Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson following a police investigation sparked by lawsuits filed by 22 women who have accused him of harassment and sexual assault.

A grand jury in Harris County returned nine no bills on the nine criminal complaints presented to it. As a result, the criminal proceedings in Harris County have concluded, according to prosecutor Johna Stallings.

«Today we presented nine criminal complaints for consideration by the grand jury. Beginning at 9 o'clock this morning, we presented evidence for over six hours for the grand jury to consider, as well as having witnesses available for those persons to testify in front of the grand jury,» said Stallings, of the division chief of adult sex crimes and trafficking at the Harris County District attorney's office. «And the grand jury considered all of that evidence and returned nine no bills against Deshaun Watson involving these nine criminal complaints. We respect the grand jury's decision and… conclude the criminal proceedings in Harris County.»

Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, told ESPN in July that 10 women had filed complaints with Houston police about Watson. Eight of the women have also filed civil lawsuits against Watson will allegations ranging from harassment to sexual assault during massage sessions. Watson faces 22 civil lawsuits.

The announcement on Friday came nearly a year after the first civil lawsuit was filed against Watson.

The grand jury process does not require a unanimous vote. Hardin told ESPN on Tuesday that if nine of the 12 grand jurors return a «true bill» under Texas law, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg could choose to proceed with a criminal case against Watson.

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