Shawn Oakman Indicted on Sexual Assault Charge: Latest Details and Reaction

A McLennan County grand jury in Texas indicted former Baylor defensive lineman Shawn Oakman on one count of sexual assault Wednesday in relation to an April incident. 

Tim Griffin of the San Antonio Express-News reported the indictment and noted Oakman told police detectives during the investigation it was a consensual encounter.

Tommy Witherspoon of the Waco Tribune-Herald passed along a statement from the current NFL free agent's attorney, Michelle Tuegel, following the grand jury's decision:

"

Shawn Oakman maintains his innocence in regard to the recent accusations made against him, and he insists that the sexual relationship in this case was consensual. It is unfortunate that this situation has been lumped in with other events that are unrelated. It is important that we not rush to judgment. Every citizen accused of a crime in this country is presumed innocent unless the state proves the accused offense beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. We look forward to vigorously defending Mr. Oakman and presenting the facts involved in this situation.

"

Tuegel is referring to the wide-ranging Baylor sexual assault scandal when talking about the "other events that are unrelated." Bruce Tomaso of the Dallas Morning News reported the situation has led to at least three football players being charged with sexual assault since 2014 and rape victims "saying the school ignored repeated warnings" about the problem in recent years.

In May, the Baylor University Board of Regents announced major changes due to "significant concerns about the tone and culture within Baylor's football program." Ken Starr was removed as school president, and head football coach Art Briles was suspended indefinitely before he was fired.

Briles responded by accusing the school of wrongful termination in June, per Jim Vertuno of the Associated Press. He also requested separate representation in a federal lawsuit filed against both the school and himself regarding the scandal.

The investigation into the allegation against Oakman included search warrants, which resulted in the police removing sheets and comforters from the football player's Waco residence after the alleged incident, according to the San Antonio Express-News report.

Oakman, a former top prospect, was not selected during the 2016 NFL draft in late April after being arrested two weeks earlier. He's remained a free agent as the case has proceeded.