Cristiano Ronaldo Soccer Superstar DNA Sought for Rape Case

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A warrant issued by a Las Vegas court was sent to police in Italy requesting DNA samples of soccer’s celebrated superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been accused of rape. The woman who made the accusation presented a dress with DNA samples present.

According to the civil complaint, 24-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo was vacationing in Las Vegas in June 2009. He was at the Palms Casino Resort’s Rain Nightclub when he met Kathryn Mayorga and invited her to his suite for a party.

According to court filings, it is alleged that while in the hotel room, Ronaldo tried to force himself sexually on Mayorga. She told him repeatedly to stop, but he would not listen. Consequently, Ronaldo raped her.

After the rape, Ronaldo permitted Mayorga to leave the bedroom. It is reported that he apologized profusely and said that he was usually a gentleman. Ronaldo then gave her $375 thousand to remain silent.

Aden Ocampo-Gomez, spokesperson for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) reported in Oct. 2009 that Mayorga filed a complaint stating she was raped but did not specify the alleged perpetrator’s name or a location where the assault allegedly occurred.

At the time, Mayorga only wanted to have a medical exam performed and report that a sexual assault had occurred.

Police did not investigate the case any further and the case was closed. However, the medical exam evidence and other information gathered remained with the police.

In Oct., the case was reopened at the request of either the victim or Mayorga’s representatives.

Officer Laura Meltzer from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) verified that the department submitted a DNA sample request to Italian police. She confirmed the allegations and said that they were not treating this case any differently from any other sexual assault case they receive.

Ronaldo has denied the allegation of rape.

The soccer player’s attorney Peter S. Christiansen did not deny that Ronaldo had a sexual encounter with Mayorga. However, he said the encounter was consensual. Christiansen also did not doubt or was surprised that there was DNA present on the alleged victim’s dress, as they engaged in a consensual sexual encounter. He also mentioned that it was understandable and standard protocol for the police to ask for a DNA sample when they are investigating a sexual assault case. Nevertheless, this does not mean that his client was guilty or a suspect.

Mayorga’s dress is an important part of the rape case as there is DNA present on it.  When Italian police obtain the warrant, they will collect DNA from Ronaldo and send it back to the police in Las Vegas. At that point, it can be determined if the DNA found on the dress is a match. If DNA is present, an investigation can be started to determine if the sexual encounter was consensual or not.

When all the evidence is gathered by the LVMPD it will be handed over to the Clark County District Attorney. At that point, the DA will determine whether or not to file charges against Ronaldo.

Under Nevada law, there is no statute of limitations on investigations or potential charges stemming from sexual assault cases.