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NFL player Albert Haynesworth charged with misdemeanor sexual abuse

By Carol Cratty, CNN Senior Producer
Albert Haynesworth's attorney called the indictment "disappointing, regretful and a difficult case" to prove.
Albert Haynesworth's attorney called the indictment "disappointing, regretful and a difficult case" to prove.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • NEW: Haynesworth denies the accusation through his lawyer
  • Tackle indicted, set to be arraigned May 10
  • Prosecutors say football player fondled a waitress

Washington (CNN) -- Football player Albert Haynesworth has been charged with misdemeanor sexual abuse involving a waitress at a Washington hotel bar.

A defensive tackle for the Washington Redskins, Haynesworth, 29, allegedly stuck a credit card down the front of a server's dress and fondled her breast, according to prosecutors. Court papers do not identify the waitress but say the incident happened around 2 a.m. on February 13 at a rooftop lounge atop the W Hotel.

An indictment was returned Tuesday by a grand jury in Superior Court of the District of Columbia. An arraignment has been scheduled for May 10.

According to a news release, Haynesworth could face up to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000 if convicted.

Haynesworth's defense attorney, A. Scott Bolden, called the indictment "disappointing, regretful and a difficult case for the government to prove."

"The indictment is merely a charge, not a conviction," Bolden said. "And in fact, my client maintains his innocence because he is innocent. We will vigorously continue to fight these charges, and I fully expect him to be exonerated from any wrongdoing."

Earlier this year, Haynesworth also was charged with assaulting a motorist after a traffic incident in Reston, Virginia.