Antonio Brown Not Charged, DA Cites Statute of Limitations

Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala’s office will not attempt to prosecute former Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown for allegations of sexual assault brought forth in a recent federal lawsuit, citing Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations.

Brown was alleged by former trainer Britney Taylor to have committed sexual assault or rape in three separate incidents, one of which took place in Brown’s home to the north of Pittsburgh.


Zappala said in the aftermath of the lawsuit that he would investigate, but has discovered that he is unable to move forward with charges.

“Our office, along with the Allegheny County Police Department, made contact with counsel for the plaintiff in the federal lawsuit involving Antonio Brown,” his office said in a press release. “Procedurally, it appears there is a statute of limitations issue in moving forward with any inquiry involving the Allegheny County allegation mentioned in the lawsuit.”

The alleged incident in the Pittsburgh area occurred in June 2017.
Indecent assault, a second-degree misdemeanor, has a two-year statute of limitations. More serious charges such as aggravated indecent assault and sexual assault have 12-year statutes of limitations.

Brown, now with the New England Patriots, can still be suspended by the NFL for years-past allegations. The league has met with Taylor and is expected to meet with Brown next week.