2nd Grand Jury Declines To Indict Browns' Deshaun Watson

BRAZORIA COUNTY, TX —A second grand jury in Texas declined to bring charges against former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, Brazoria County District Attorney Tom Selleck said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

The grand jury convened Wednesday in Brazoria County, a source close to the situation confirmed to Patch earlier Thursday. The grand jury proceeding was first reported by FOX 8 Cleveland.

Watson is accused of sexual harassment or assault by 22 different women who have filed civil complaints. A grand jury in Harris County recently returned a no bill on nine criminal complaints against Watson, and the 10th case was separated from the Harris County cases when it was determined the accusation occurred in Brazoria County, according to the source.

Watson has denied wrongdoing.

The quarterback was recently traded from the Texans to the Cleveland Browns and signed a five-year, $230 million contract.

The grand jury reviewed reports from the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and the Houston Police Department and heard testimony from witnesses, according to Selleck.

"The Grand Jury for Brazoria County has declined to charge Deshaun Watson with any crimes," Selleck said. "Accordingly, this matter is closed."

Rusty Hardin, Watson's lawyer, pointed to Selleck's comment and echoed a similar sentiment in a statement.

"We are thrilled that the Brazoria County grand jury cleared Deshaun Watson of the one remaining criminal allegation," Hardin said. "We’ve known all along what people who learn the facts also know — Deshaun committed no crimes. In fact, two separate grand juries have now found that there wasn’t even probable cause to believe he committed a crime."

Both Watson and the Browns were aware of the Brazoria County grand jury proceedings shortly after the Harris County cases were dismissed, Hardin said.

Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents the women accusing Watson in their civil cases, told the Houston Chronicle's Brooks Kubena that the 22 complaints will move forward, a process that could take months or years.

"What happens criminally has no bearing on our efforts on the civil side," Buzbee told the Chronicle. "We are very confident in these cases and in these women. We are incredibly proud of the strength they have shown. These courageous women remain resolute and committed."