[clevfan]

Toledo player likely will not face point-shaving charges

By Michael McCarthy, USA TODAY
APRIL 17

Federal authorities are likely to dismiss a criminal complaint for alleged point-shaving against University of Toledo running back Harvey "Scooter" McDougle, Jr., says Gina Balaya, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Detroit.

Authorities are also likely to cancel a scheduled preliminary hearing for the 22-year-old senior previously scheduled for Friday, Balaya told USA TODAY on Tuesday.

The U.S. Attorney's office, however, is proceeding with its "ongoing investigation" of McDougle with an eye toward filing new charges or seeking an indictment, she said. Balaya described the likely dismissal of the criminal complaint as more of a procedural delay to give the government more time to build its case.

"The hearing is not going to happen Friday. We'll most likely be dismissing the complaint," she said.

James Burdick, McDougle's defense attorney, says the charges against his client aren't true. "I'm pretty sure the criminal complaint will be dismissed in a day or two. There will not be a hearing."

McDougle was arraigned in U.S. District Court on March 30 on charges of participating in a bribery scheme to influence football and men's basketball games. He was released on a $10,000 bond.

McDougle took cash, a car and other valuable from a Detroit-area gambler named "Gary" in return for recruiting other football and basketball players to participate in the point-shaving scam, according to an affidavit filed by FBI agent Brian Max.