Abuse charges on Albert Haynesworth

Albert Haynesworth, the defensive lineman of Washington Redskins was charged Tuesday with misdemeanor sexual abuse for allegedly fondling the breast of his server in a hotel restaurant in Washington.

A grand jury returned an indictment formally charging Haynesworth over the alleged incident at a downtown Washington hotel in the early hours of Feb. 13. If convicted, the 29-year-old two-time All-Pro faces up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

According to the U.S. attorney’s office, the government’s evidence shows Haynesworth slid a credit card down the front of the server’s dress and fondled her breast.

Haynesworth’s attorney, A. Scott Bolden, called the charge disappointing and regretful and said it would be a difficult case for the government to prove. Haynesworth is innocent and several witnesses would vouch that the alleged conduct never happened, Bolden said.

Telephone and e-mail messages left for Haynesworth’s agent, Chad Speck, were not immediately returned. Redskins’ spokesman Tony Wyllie said the team referred all calls to Haynesworth and his agent.