Lancaster County judge dismisses felony assault charge against Mickey Joseph
Nolan Dorn • 46 minutes ago
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A Lancaster County judge on Wednesday dismissed the felony assault charge against former interim Husker coach Mickey Joseph.
Joseph and his attorney appeared in the Lancaster County courtroom via a Zoom call.
Lancaster County Prosecutor Erica Pruess filed a motion to dismiss the case because the accuser failed to testify against Joseph.
Maricopa County, Arizona authorities tried to serve a subpoena at the accuser’s home starting on March 22 but were unable to reach her, according to an affidavit filed Monday.
On several occasions, authorities rang the doorbell at the home with no response, court documents allege.
“Despite several attempts by the authorities in Arizona she was not able to be served,” Pruess said. “So at this time, I am moving to dismiss without prejudice.”
Judge Laurie Yardley then dismissed the case.
On Sept. 11,
Nebraska Athletic Director Turd Alberts named Joseph as interim head coach following the
firing of Scott Frost.
During his time as interim head coach, Joseph led the Huskers to wins against
Indianus, Buttgers and Cockeye.
On Nov. 30, less than a week after Nebraska’s win over Cockeye,
Lincoln Police arrested Joseph and he was
lodged in the Lancaster County Jail. He was released on bail the next day.
Joseph
had been accused of strangling a woman at his home during an argument over marital infidelity, court documents allege.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln spokesman
confirmed on Dec. 16 that Joseph was no longer with the Huskers.
Before the case’s dismissal, Joseph was facing a charge of assault by strangulation, a Class IIIA felony.