Sigh of relief for Fred Kerley as domestic battery charges are dropped
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 17.01.26. | 15:04
In a statement issued on his behalf, Kerley’s lawyer Richard Cooper confirmed that the charges were dropped outright by the State of Florida
Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley has received a major legal reprieve after domestic battery charges against him were dismissed, bringing an end to a case that had cast a shadow over the American star’s career.
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In a statement issued on his behalf, Kerley’s lawyer Richard Cooper confirmed that the charges were dropped outright by the State of Florida.
“The domestic violence charges were dismissed outright. The State of Florida, fortunately, saw what the responding detectives originally found that day in May of 2024: my client never touched this woman.
My client is excited to put this behind him and focus on winning races and making our nation proud,” Cooper said.
The development comes a year after the alleged incident happened. Kerley was released from jail on Saturday, 4 January 2025, after posting bond following his arrest earlier in the week in Miami Beach.
The two-time Team USA Olympian had been facing multiple charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest, stemming from a confrontation with Miami Beach police that was captured on body camera footage.
Further legal complications arose on Friday, 3 January, 2025, when additional charges were filed, including domestic battery with strangulation and strong-arm robbery.
These allegations related to an incident reported to have occurred in May 2024 and involved Kerley’s estranged wife, Angelica Kerley.
In interviews with US media at the time, Angelica described the May incident as a breaking point in their relationship, alleging that the confrontation took place in the presence of their children and family members.
She later told a bond court that she intended to proceed with pressing charges, despite being approached by Kerley’s defense team to speak on his behalf.
She also expressed concern about the emotional impact of the situation on their children, questioning Kerley’s conduct and level of remorse following his more recent arrest.
Upon Kerley’s release from custody, his attorneys addressed the media, with one of his lawyers, Yale Sanford, saying they were ready to cooperate fully with the State Attorney’s Office as investigations continued. At the time, the legal team declined to comment directly on the domestic violence allegations.
In a separate statement, Kerley’s lawyers dismissed Angelica’s claims, describing them as accusations from a “highly motivated and angry woman,” and also rejected assertions that Kerley had refused to grant her a divorce.
