Ex-UM CB Lewis to stand trial in domestic violence case

Ann Arbor — Former Michigan cornerback Jourdan Lewis, a Dallas Cowboys rookie, will stand trial next week for one misdemeanor domestic violence charge.

Lewis was in 15th District Court with attorney John Shea on Thursday morning for a settlement hearing regarding the alleged incident on March 15 with his then-girlfriend.

Jury selection will begin Monday and lawyers’ opening statements will be made Tuesday in advance of the trial.

“We’ll do all our commenting in court on Monday and Tuesday,” Shea said outside the courtroom. “Parties would always prefer to avoid trials if they can. Some cases have to be tried. This is one of them.”

Shea believes it will be a speedy resolution.

“We hope the trial is over with on Tuesday,” he said.

Lewis did not comment. He told Dallas reporters in April after the draft that he is innocent.

“I completely think that all charges will be dropped,” Lewis, who reported to rookie camp on Wednesday, told reporters at the time. “I think I will be exonerated from everything. I’m completely innocent. I believe that wholeheartedly.

Lewis pleaded not guilty March 16. According to a police report obtained by The Detroit News, the alleged incident occurred early on March 15 after a dispute about a light being on. Lewis and his then-girlfriend offered different takes, but both said Lewis stayed in a closet to avoid further involvement and tried to leave the apartment.

The ex-girlfriend said Lewis “dragged her across the living room floor and then grabbed her by the neck and held her down on the floor for about three seconds.” But Lewis told police that he “may have grabbed (her neck) while trying to get her off him but had no intentions to hurt (her). Lewis stayed at no time was he trying to assault (her). He was trying to leave.”

Dallas chose Lewis, a two-time All-American, in the third round of the NFL Draft.

achengelis@detroitnews.com

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