DETROIT – Former Michigan State University basketball star Mateen Cleaves has been charged with holding a woman against her will in a motel and sexually assaulting her.
Cleaves, 39, was charged Tuesday by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy with unlawful imprisonment, assault with intent to commit criminal sexual penetration, second-degree criminal sexual conduct and third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
He was arraigned Wednesday and pleaded not guilty. He was released on a personal recognizance bond. He is ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. If he violates bond, he will be arrested on a cash only bond of 10 percent of $150,000.
A probable cause hearing is scheduled for March 29.
Cleaves posted the following statement via twitter:
"My family and I are devastated by these false charges. I am innocent and the allegations are without merit. We truly appreciate your continued support."
Prosecutor calls arraignment 'back door, secret'
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy called Wednesday's proceedings "secret" and expressed her disappointment in a statement:
"I don't know how they do things in Genesee County but we try our best to be as transparent as possible when my office is involved. We do not approve of secret proceedings unless it is proscribed by law. There was an agreement with all of the parties that the defendant would turn himself in and be arraigned in open court tomorrow, not for him to have a back door arraignment. The public has a right to know and frankly, I am extremely disappointed that this was handled so clandestinely today. I hope this is not a precursor of things to come," said Worthy.
Details of allegations
Cleaves allegedly met the 24-year-old Mount Morris woman in September at a charity golf outing, and they went out for drinks with the woman's boyfriend and other people.
At about 1 a.m., the woman's boyfriend gave a friend a ride home. The victim, thinking they would return to the golf club, rode with Cleaves in his car. It is alleged that Cleaves took the complainant to a motel located in the 2400 block of West Grand Blanc, in Mundy Township, held her in a room against her will, and sexually assaulted her, Worthy said. The complainant was able to escape from the room and received assistance from a woman in a nearby room. The case was investigated by the Mundy Township Police Department.
On October 23, 2015, the case was transferred to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office by the Prosecuting Attorney's Coordinating Counsel. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton requested the transfer due to a possible conflict of interest with a potential witness in the case. Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Lindsey will prosecute the case in Genesee County.
Cleaves known for 2000 NCAA championship
Cleaves, 38, led the Michigan State Spartans basketball team to the 2000 national championship. His number was retired by MSU in 2007.
Cleaves was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2000, playing 78 games in his rookie season. He was traded to Sacramento in 2001. He worked for Fox Sports Detroit as a Detroit Pistons studio analyst.