Houston Police Department reveals the new image for future HPD patrol vehicles outside Houston Police Department Headquarters in Downtown on Monday, July 2, 2012, in Houston. HPD is currently testing vehicles for the new patrol cars, along with the new black and white color scheme and logo design. ( Mayra Beltran / Houston Chronicle )
Just In: Texans Minority Owner Accused of Rape Resolves Case With $100 Fine
E. Javier Loya, a minority owner of the Texans, paid a $100 fine by a Kentucky court for a misdemeanor charge of harassment with physical contact as part of an agreement after Kentucky prosecutors dismissed charges of rape and abuse, according to his lawyer.
Andrew J. Sarne, Loya’s attorney, issued a statement through a spokesperson Monday that said Loya “agreed to accept a charge of ‘harassment with intent to annoy,’ a class B misdemeanor.” The statement also said prosecutors “dismissed all seven counts” Loya was facing.
Loya, who reportedly owns less than 1% of the Texans, had been charged with first-degree rape, five counts of first-degree sexual abuse, and one charge of third-degree sexual abuse, according to online records for Jefferson County (Ky.) Court Circuit. After 2022 parties at his Louisville home, several models he had hired accused Loya of rape and abuse, according to court records.
“While still expressing his innocence, this process has been very difficult for him and his family,” Sarne said in the statement. “Throughout this ordeal, Mr. Loya had unwavering faith in the legal system despite enduring intense public scrutiny and prejudgment before due process was completely afforded to him. With this resolution, Mr. Loya will focus on family and a return to normality.”
According to WDRB-TV in Louisville, Loya entered an Alford plea, where he maintained his innocence, but admitted there was sufficient evidence for a jury to find him guilty. Per WDRB, Loya agreed to a 90-day prison sentence, but the sentence will be discharged and expunged with the case with two years of good behavior.
In dismissing the charges, prosecutors told the judge there were “evidentiary issues.” Loya admitted he “subjected the victim to physical contact.” One woman had accused Loya of putting his hands inside their underwear without their consent.
It’s unclear whether Loya will be disciplined by the NFL under the league’s personal conduct policy or whether he will be involved in Texans ownership going forward. Loya cofounded OTC Global Holdings, an independent commodities broker, and has been a part-owner of the Texans since they joined the NFL as an expansion team in 2002.
