On Wednesday April 13, 2016, Arlington County Police were called at approximately 7:00 AM to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pentagon City, by a woman saying she had been assaulted by an Atlanta Braves baseball player. The police reported the female victim had bruises and was transported to Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington. Police would not provide specifics about the relationship. However it was reported that Braves outfielder Hector Olivera and the alleged victim knew each other.
Atlanta Braves player Olivera, 31 years old, was arrested by the Arlington Police Department for alleged being involved in a domestic dispute with the injured female. Olivera was expected to be formally charged and appear before a judge of the Arlington County court Wednesday afternoon.
The Braves outfielder was placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball pursuant to its new domestic violence policy. In August 2015, the MLB adopted a domestic violence policy that gives Commissioner Rob Manfred power to discipline players regardless of whether there is a formal criminal charge or a conviction.
Olivera, the Atlanta Braves left fielder had started 5 games this season. He did not play in Tuesday evening’s loss to the Washington Nationals. Olivera defected from Cuba in 2014.
The Atlanta Braves said in a statement, “We are extremely disappointed and troubled to learn of the allegations involving Hector Olivera. We will continue to gather information and will address this matter appropriately as we determine the facts.”
The charge of misdemeanor assault on Virginia is punishable by a fine of up to $2500.00 and/or a term in jail not to exceed 12 months. It is unknown whether the alleged assault was of a sexual nature or caused substantial injuries which could lead to felony charges such as Unlawful Wounding or Malicious Wounding.
The criminal defense lawyers of The Gordon Law Firm have helped more than 4,000 people charged with Assault and Battery, Domestic Assault, DUI, and other criminal charges in Loudoun County, Prince William County, and Fairfax County.
Alex Gordon and Carlos Wall can answer questions of criminal defense matters at 703-218-8416.
Parts of this article came from reports from the Atlanta Journal Constitution and WJLA.
https://www.ajc.com/news/sports/baseball/report-braves-hector-olivera-arrested-for-domestic/nq4t9/