On July 10th, it was revealed former Chicago Bears outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo had been arrested in Arlington, Texas. The allegations were for sexual misconduct and child indecency. He later posted bond and was released. The charges stem from events that happened two years ago and weren’t brought forth until January of this year. Mingo’s lawyer called them “completely baseless” and nothing more than a money grab.
This might be true, but the sequence of events unfolding since the allegations surfaced don’t paint a pretty picture. Upon receiving further details of the case, the Atlanta Falcons immediately decided to terminate Mingo’s contract. Never a great sign. At last, those details have surfaced to the public. The MMQB provided them. Mingo apparently invited a teenage boy and his friend for a day of fun including trips to Six Flags Over Texas and a K-1 speedway go-cart complex. They then went out for dinner and did some shopping.
What happened next is where things get truly disturbing.
Tired from the day’s activities, the three of them returned to Mingo’s hotel. The boys fell asleep but one of them was awakened around 3 a.m. by finding the linebacker in his bed. He thought that was odd. Especially considering he thought Mingo was supposed to be staying in a separate room. It is here where things get ugly. Be warned that the details are graphic.
According to the document, “The victim was then woken by [Mingo] pulling at his underwear. This occurred for a few minutes until the suspect got more and aggressive and pulled the victim’s underwear down to his shins. The victim advised that when this was occurring, he was scared and pretended to be asleep. [Mingo] put a lotion on that made the victim’s skin burn and … rubbed his penis up and down, in between the victim’s butt crack.”
This entire sequence of events was what drew the interest of the police detective on the case. Experienced officers know this to be a classic approach of pedophiles.
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As the Arlington police detective put forth in the application, the “evidence will corroborate the victim’s statements. Furthermore it is known to [the detective] … that purchasing gifts for children is a known “grooming” behavior in Child Sexual Abuse cases.”
For those unfamiliar, grooming is a term used by authorities to describe how sex offenders try to establish emotional connections with their victims, hoping to lower their guard until sexual abuse can take place. Befriending the parents. Offering to babysit. Inviting the child for sleepovers. Or giving gifts or money. Those are just some common methods.
Barkevious Mingo better hope these allegations aren’t true
He’s already not in a great spot from a public perspective. People tend to assume guilt immediately when sexual misconduct against children is involved. The fact his team was so quick to release him doesn’t send a great message either. Some will ask why the victim took so long to come forward. The truth is it isn’t easy to face such a traumatic experience by challenging your attacker. Especially one with such a high-profile job like an NFL player.
Look at what happened with Bill Cosby. It took his victims literal decades to come forward. That didn’t make him any less guilty. Everything comes down to the burden of proof. If Barkevious Mingo did it, then the victim seems confident they have enough evidence to prove it. Considering the detective on the case spent six months gathering it? One can safely say he feels strongly about getting the justice he seeks.
This entire situation is ugly either way.
If it’s true? Then Mingo faces the possibility of 20 years in prison. If it isn’t? It is yet another example of the awful levels some people will sink to in order to obtain money. Here is hoping he is innocent. Otherwise, he’ll just serve as the latest reminder that the NFL doesn’t always employ the greatest human beings on the planet.