Maryland Lacrosse Player Accused of Sexually Assaulting Woman Granted Bond

Woman reported the crime during the Zac Brown Band show Sunday

A University of Maryland lacrosse player accused of sexually assaulting a woman during a concert at Jiffy Lube Live has been granted bond.

Benjamin Chisolm, 19, of Bridsville Road in Davidsonville, Maryland, will be released on a $10,000 bond, a judge ruled Friday. Chisolm will be allowed to return to his home as the case moves forward and was cautioned not to drink alcohol.

He had been held in a Virginia jail since Sunday, after a 49-year-old woman from Colonial Beach, Virginia, found police during the Zac Brown Band show at the venue in Bristow and reported the crime. 

She told police she fell asleep on the lawn area and woke to find a stranger inappropriately touching her. He then walked away.

Chisolm was later detained by police for public intoxication, police said, and the victim identified Chisolm as the suspect in the groping case. He was charged with aggravated sexual battery.

During Friday's hearing, a prosecutor argued against Chisolm's release, telling the court: "There's no way the public can be assured of its safety, especially if he starts drinking again."

The judge asked the defense attorney, "What year is he?"

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"Rising sophomore," replied Chisolm's attorney, Christie Leary.

"[A] young man," the judge said.

Leary pointed out Chisolm's single mom, sister and grandmother in court, and added that he has a few summer jobs lined up to help pay for his tuition.

In handing down his decision, the judge noted that this was Chisolm's first offense, adding there was "nothing at all on his record." He granted bond and is allowing Chisolm to return home to Maryland as the case moves forward, but cautioned his family that he should consume "obviously no alcohol."

Chisolm played attack for the Maryland lacrosse team as a freshman during the most recent academic year, appearing in two games, according to the team's website.

The University of Maryland said in a statement that it was aware of the allegations regarding its student athlete. "The university takes these matters very seriously and will cooperate with authorities during their investigation," it said.

A call placed by NBC4 to Chisolm's attorney has not been returned.

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