Ex-Gophers player must report to the workhouse, judge rules

Star Tribune

Last update: July 3, 2008 - 11:43 PM

Dominic Jones' request to stay out of the workhouse while he appeals his conviction for sexually assaulting a drunken woman in April 2007 has been denied.

The former Gophers football star, whose assault on the woman was recorded on a cell-phone video, had sought release while he challenges his conviction on fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

In May, Jones was sentenced in Hennepin County District Court to a year in the workhouse, and he must register as a sexual offender. He also faces a four-year prison term if he breaks the law again. Jones is scheduled to report to the workhouse Monday.

Appeals Court Chief Judge Edward Toussaint, in the court's order issued Wednesday, said the District Court is better positioned than his court to make a determination about release pending appeal, and that court noted that Jones' family is out of state and that he intended to attend school in another state. He was expelled from the University of Minnesota.

PAUL WALSH