An Arizona woman who accused former major league pitcher Trevor Bauer of sexual assault has been charged with defrauding the baseball player. An indictment charges the woman with fraud and theft by extortion, but does not provide specific details about the alleged crimes. Bauer and another person were defrauded in a scheme that potentially spanned several years. The woman had sued Bauer in December 2022, accusing him of rape two years earlier, which she claimed resulted in pregnancy in late 2020. Bauer was never arrested or charged, but he countersued, saying the encounter was consensual and accused her of faking the pregnancy to extort money from him.
Bauer’s attorneys stated that the woman made several million-dollar demands against him, and Bauer ultimately paid $8,761 for expenses related to the reported pregnancy and its subsequent termination. However, the woman later said she decided not to terminate the pregnancy but had a miscarriage. The woman is facing criminal charges of fraud and theft by extortion and is scheduled to be arraigned next Friday. In a recorded video statement, Bauer proclaimed his innocence and expressed frustration over the situation, questioning when he will be able to return to work and earn a living. Bauer has been trying to revive his major league career after serving a suspension for violating the league’s domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy following accusations from another woman, which he denied.
Bauer was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers in January 2023 and played for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Japan’s Pacific League last year. He signed a deal this spring to pitch five games for Mexico’s Diablos Rojos and made his first appearance in a spring exhibition against the New York Yankees. The Associated Press typically does not identify individuals who claim to be victims of sexual assault unless they come forward publicly. The indictment against the woman did not provide specific details about the alleged fraud and extortion involving Bauer and another person, and the woman’s attorney had not been listed in court records at the time of the report.
It is important to note that the legal proceedings are ongoing, and both Bauer and the woman have made statements asserting their positions. The situation is complex, involving allegations of sexual assault, fraud, and extortion, with multiple legal actions and differing accounts from the parties involved. Bauer’s career has been affected by the accusations and suspensions, but he continues to pursue opportunities to pitch professionally. The case highlights the challenges and complexities of addressing allegations of sexual assault and the importance of thorough investigation and legal due process in such matters. As the legal process unfolds, more details may emerge regarding the allegations and the actions of both Bauer and the woman involved in the case.
