News

Stanely appears in court

University of Wisconsin running back Booker Stanley appeared at the Dane County Courthouse Monday to set up a preliminary hearing for next month.

Stanley faces charges including second-degree sexual assault, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, four misdemeanor counts of battery and counts of bail jumping after alleged disputes with his girlfriend last July and December, as well as an altercation at the Mifflin Street Block Party last spring.

Stanley, dressed in a suit and tie, appeared briefly before the court with state-appointed attorney Dennis E. Burke.

"It was a status conference between the district attorney and the legal defense attorney," Burke said. "We decided whether to hold a preliminary hearing, and we are interested in having it."

According to Burke, Stanley's role in the meeting was "minimal," and he only appeared in court because of state law requirements.

Burke, a public defense attorney, said he was assigned to Stanley's case "about a week ago."

Federal law provides a defendant with a public defense attorney if the defendant cannot obtain private counsel.

Burke said he could not comment further, as the case is pending, but added more information will be available after the preliminary hearing.

According to the criminal complaint, the alleged victim, Angela Dobbe, said Stanley sexually assaulted her and then strangled her three times after the two argued over rent money and their relationship.

Police arrested Stanley upon arriving at Stanley and Dobbe's apartment and then later released him under the condition that he would not have any direct or indirect contact with Dobbe, the complaint stated. However, Dobbe told police Stanley called her numerous times after the altercation.

At the preliminary hearing, scheduled for Feb. 21, Dobbe will testify and the district attorney will decide if the case holds enough evidence to bring it to trial.