TU's Damaris Johnson charged with felony embezzlement
An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for Tulsa football player Damaris Johnson on charges of felony embezzlement.
Johnson has not been taken into custody as of 5 p.m., according to a deputy at the Tulsa County Clerk's office.
Johnson and girlfriend Chamon Jones were charged with stealing $2,610.67 worth of clothing and other items between Aug. 20 and Aug. 25 of this year.
Jones is currently free on bond and awaits a Sept. 15 court appearance.
Tulsa County first assistant district attorney Doug Drummond said in a news release, "we reviewed the investigative reports by the Tulsa Police Department and made an objective charging decision based on the evidence presented to our office.
"Both Mr. Johnson and Ms. Jones have been cooperative with law enforcement during the investigation.
"As with any other person charged with a crime, they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."
Jones, a Macy?s department store employee at Promenade Mall, was booked into the Tulsa County Jail early Friday morning.
According to a police report, Johnson used Jones? debit card Aug. 20 to pay for $1,596.09 worth of merchandise, but was charged only $12.91 by Jones. The report also states that on Aug. 25, Johnson paid 34 cents for $1,238.75 worth of merchandise.
The All-American wide receiver and punt returner drew an indefinite suspension shortly after TU coach Bill Blankenship discovered the arrest of Johnson's girlfriend.
"Damaris Johnson remains suspended indefinitely from all team activities," said a TU release. "The University of Tulsa has no further statement at this time." "I didn't know anything about it, but his status remains the same," said TU head coach Bill Blankenship on Wednesday as he walked off the practice field.
Johnson is the NCAA?s career all-purpose yardage leader and was a second- team AP All-American last season.