Former Dallas Star player Mike Ribeiro appeared with his attorneys this morning in the 8th Judicial District Court, where he entered a plea of “Guilty” to the offense of Indecent Assault related to actions he took during a social gathering on June 23, 2021, in Franklin County. Eighth Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay and Assistant District Attorney Zach Blackmon represented the State in the case.
According to the plea agreement, Ribeiro admitted to touching the breasts and genitals of the victim without her consent and with the intent to arouse or gratify his sexual desire. Following the plea, Judge Eddie Northcutt found Ribeiro guilty of the offense, classified as a Class A Misdemeanor in Texas. He was credited with one day of confinement in the Franklin County Jail and ordered to pay a maximum fine of $4,000 along with court costs.
The State alleged that on June 23, 2021, Ribeiro sexually assaulted two women and attempted to assault a third. He was indicted for these respective offenses, and a jury trial earlier this year resulted in an acquittal on the two sexual assault charges, with the jury unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the third indictment for Attempted Sexual Assault.
Despite jury selection for the remaining indictment beginning this morning in Mt. Vernon, the parties reached an agreement before proceedings commenced.
After his sentencing, the victim delivered an oral statement directly to Ribeiro, as permitted by law. With her voice occasionally breaking, she stated, “Forgiveness is not a feeling; it’s a choice. Although I have forgiven you, I can only pray the others affected will choose to do the same, not for you, but for themselves.”
Eighth Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay expressed gratitude to women who endure scrutiny and have the courage to stand up for truth against powerful figures, stating that hearing Ribeiro admit under oath to violating the victim’s consent was significant.
Ribeiro played for the Dallas Stars from 2006 to 2012.
