[Tipdogusaf]

Dukes returning to Ohio State, team
Monday, March 28, 2005
Tim May
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH



Albert Dukes dealt with his legal problems in his hometown of Belle Glade, Fla., and the freshman receiver will return to Ohio State today, The Dispatch has learned.

Coach Jim Tressel could not be reached for comment last night, but a team source said Dukes is expected to start spring quarter today and begin spring drills Thursday with the Buckeyes.

Dukes spent winter quarter in Belle Glade after a complaint of lewd and lascivious battery was brought against him by a minor there. The girl alleged the incident of a sexual nature occurred in July when she was 12 and he was 18. The complaint did not come to light until December.

According to Dukes’ mother, Sophie Baldwin, neither the girl nor the girl’s family wanted to follow through on the complaint. Baldwin said she understands Dukes and his lawyer worked out an agreement with the Palm Beach County prosecutor’s office that stipulates only that Dukes will be on three months probation.

Dukes’ lawyer could not be reached for comment. But Baldwin, who believed her son was unjustly accused, had something to say.

"Rapists are in jail and or in hell; my son is up at Ohio State and getting ready to start back into his academics and start back with football," she said.