Former Chicago Bears LB Barkevious Mingo (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Barkevious Mingo was arrested in Texas this week.
Mingo was arrested on charges of indecency with a child and sexual contact, per the Arlington Police Department. The charge is a second-degree felony, which carries with it a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail.
Indecency with a child and sexual contact, per Texas state law, involves engaging in sexual contact with someone under17 years of age or forcing the child to engage in sexual contact.
Atlanta Falcons: Barkevious Mingo facing disturbing charges
No other details of the case have been released publicly. The Falcons issued the following statement on the situation:
“Our organization became aware of the allegations involving Barkevious Mingo today and are currently gathering information on this incident. The Falcons take the allegations very seriously and will continue to monitor the situation.”
Mingo’s lawyer also released a statement on the situation, denying all charges.
“At this stage, our side has very limited information,” attorney Luis Garcia said. “What we do know is these allegations are from over two years ago and are completely untrue. Mr. Mingo is the victim of a false claim, and we believe this is motivated by money or some other ulterior motive.”
Mingo played in all 16 games for the Chicago Bears last season, finishing with 2.5 sacks and 35 tackles. He only started three of those games. He signed a one-year contract worth just over $1 million with the Falcons this offseason.