Ex-University of Maryland basketball star indicted for rape in Prince George's County, officials say

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. - A former star basketball player at the University of Maryland has been indicted for rape in Prince George's County, officials announced Friday.

Officials said Damonte Dodd, who grew up in Centreville, Maryland before playing for four years at Maryland, was indicted for second-degree rape, second-degree assault and other charges for having sex with an intoxicated woman in November 2017.

The victim and her friends went to Terrapin's Turf Bar in College Park to celebrate Halloween the evening of Oct. 31 where she met Dodd for the first time, according to prosecutors.

Officials said Dodd bought the woman alcoholic drinks and later left the bar with her, taking her to a friend's apartment in College Park. While the victim was intoxicated, prosecutors stated Dodd had sexual intercourse with the woman against her will and a person in the apartment confronted him upon waking in the early morning hours of Nov. 1.

The victim reported the incident to police five days later and Dodd admitted to the sexual acts, but said it was consensual, according to officials.

"The fact that the victim in this case was intoxicated did not give Mr. Dodd the right to take advantage of her," Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks said. "We will conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that he is held accountable for his actions."

A jury indicted Dodd on May 17. Upon learning of the indictment, the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office said Dodd agreed to return to the United States from an overseas trip to Mexico. With a warrant out for his arrest, Dodd was taken into custody when he landed in Atlanta.

Because he is cooperating with authorities, a Clayton County judge has agreed to release him on several conditions in order for him to travel back to Prince George's County for his July 12 court date. As part of the agreement, Dodd will have to give up his passport, have no contact with the alleged victim and will not be able to enter College Park, according to prosecutors.

"Damonte Dodd is quite eager to clear his name," said Dodd's attorney, Thomas C. Mooney, in a statement. "He has entered a plea of Not Guilty and remains confident that a jury of his peers will agree. Although Mr. Dodd would prefer to make a statement about the merits of the case, he has been advised by counsel that pre-trial statements (like the press release issued by Office of the State's Attorney earlier today) can be reckless and potentially prejudicial to the administration of justice. He has faith in the Judicial system and knows that is the appropriate forum to resolve his case. This case will be tried in Court, not in the media. Until then, Mr. Dodd will patiently wait for justice."

Dodd played in 119 games for Maryland and ranks No. 8 all-time for the team in blocks. He last played for the Terrapins in the 2016-2017 season.

The NBA's G-League list Dodd as a center for the Delaware 87ers.