STILLWATER, Okla. — Content Warning: The following story contains a description into a sexual assault investigation.

A former member of the Oklahoma State University (OSU) wrestling team has been accused of sexual assault. Stillwater Police’s Criminal Investigations Department told FOX23 they are investigating a report of sexual assault against Albert James (AJ) Ferrari, Jr.

According the Stillwater Police Department, officers were first alerted to the crime on July 2, 2022.

According to a statement from OSU, Ferrari is no longer part of the wrestling team.

“These crimes are very serious in nature, and … our criminal investigation unit as well as the police department, we’re dedicated to working these cases to the fullest extent to make sure both the victim and suspect are tried equally in these cases,” said Lt. TJ Low.

The case is currently under investigation and will be submitted to the Payne County District’s Attorney’s Office. According to court records, the victim filed an emergency protection order against Ferrari July 5. The order was granted.

Details in the report indicate the alleged victim knew Ferrari and his family. The report claims Ferrari pinned her down on her bed by her arms, tried to force her pants off, removed her shirt and touched himself. The report also stated the victim repeatedly asked him to stop.

In the report, she said she managed to get away from Ferrari, and claimed he said that she was “strong and put up a good fight.”

Ferrari and another teammate were involved in a serious car crash earlier this year in Stillwater. Despite the severity of the crash, both Ferrari and his teammate had minor injuries.

Ferrari’s family released a statement on his father’s, AJ Ferrari Sr. Facebook page. The statement was written by Ferrari’s attorney Derek Chance:

“The allegations against AJ are false. It is unfortunate that a student athlete can become a target, primarily because of their status as an elite athlete. AJ is cooperating with law enforcement and is confident the truth will come out. He appreciated his time at Oklahoma State, but he and the University mutually agreed a chance was appropriate.”

Executive Director of Wings of Hope Family Crisis Center Brandi White heard about this case and advised that anyone who feels they have been a victim of sexual assault should speak up.

“It’s a personal choice on how far you would want to go to report something like this, but you have to reach out to your family support your support, your friends support,” White said. “But reaching out and making sure that you have someone to work through it with you.”

This is a developing story.

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