A woman who says she was sexually assaulted by Cincinnati Reds pitcher Alfredo Simon can remain anonymous, at least for now.
Rejecting arguments from Simon’s attorneys, who wanted the woman publicly named, U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton on Wednesday ruled the alleged victim can remain known simply as “Jane Doe” for now.
Walton cited “the sensitive and highly personal nature of this case, the risk of psychological harm to the plaintiff if the plaintiff’s name were made public” as well as the “minimal, if any, unfairness that the plaintiff’s anonymity would cause the defendant.”
Walton added, though, that the woman’s name would become public if the case ever goes to trial. And, in an extraordinary footnote, he cautioned that:
“Counsel and the parties themselves should appreciate that the Court will not tolerate attempts to gain an advantage through the use of the media, including social media. Therefore, should the parties, their counsel, or others acting on their behalf, cause further unnecessary dissemination of public comment about this case, the Court’s position on the plaintiff’s anonymity, both pretrial and at trial, may change.”
Jane Doe was 27 in April 2013. According to her complaint, she met Simon at the Huxley nightclub. He took her to the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel, where the team was staying. There, according to her complaint, Simon “abruptly changed his behavior from a romantic encounter into a terrifying physical attack.”
Walton recounts that the woman says a subsequent medical examination found “several injuries to her genitalia.” No criminal charges were brought. The woman’s lawsuit is seeking $15 million.
“Mr. Simon will defend this matter fully and will be totally exonerated,” his lawyer, Jack Quinn, has stated.