“After a thorough investigation of this case by the Boston Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit … the Commonwealth has concluded that it would not be able to meet its burden at trial of proving each of the elements of indecent assault and battery beyond a reasonable doubt,’’ the filing read. “Specifically, a review of both witness statements and video surveillance has revealed that the Commonwealth would be unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally engaged in a harmful or offensive touching of the complainant that would be regarded by society as immodest, immoral, and improper.’’
According to the accuser, in a complaint she filed with police, Edelman approached her on the dance floor, reached under her Halloween costume, and grabbed her crotch. He was arrested at 1:30 a.m. outside the nightclub and appeared in Boston Municipal Court later that morning, where he entered a not guilty plea.
The accuser’s complaint said that a witness who was with the woman observed Edelman bump into her, then saw her face “change into an expression of shock.’’ Police were told that the woman and the witness informed nightclub staff about the incident and requested that Edelman be removed from the club.
At the time of his arrest, Edelman denied groping the woman to police.
News of the charges being dropped came at about the time the Patriots were beginning their practice at Gillette Stadium. Edelman, who was not spotted in the locker room but was on the practice field, released a statement through the Patriots.
“I am very appreciative of the hard work of the County’s public officials and of my attorney, Amy McNamee,’’ Edelman said in the statement. “I am humbled by the support of my teammates and the Patriots organization. I’m just looking forward to focusing on football.’’
