Child sex abuse charges against former Yankee John Wetteland dropped

The child sexual assault charges against former Yankees closer John Wetteland have been dismissed more than six months after a mistrial in his case.

Wetteland was originally arrested in January 2019 and indicted on three counts the following March. He was accused of continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 between 2004 and 2006 at his then-home in Bartonville, Texas. Wetteland’s accuser was described as a relative.

Wetteland pleaded not guilty in a Texas court and a 10-2 split decision among the jury led to a mistrial in August. He had faced 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors in Denton County filed a motion to dismiss all three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child against the 56-year-old hurler. A judge granted the motion late last week.

According to WFAA, the prosecutor’s office said Monday that there were no plans to refile the charges against Wetteland. Denton County First Assistant District Attorney Jamie Beck previously said the case would go forward as either a new trial or a negotiated plea bargain.

“I think the jury felt all along it was a weak case,” Derek Adame, Wetteland’s attorney, told the Dallas Morning News. “This allows John to move forward with his life sooner rather than later, and I’m just happy to see this day finally come.”

Wetteland was the MVP of the 1996 World Series. He pitched 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos, New York Yankees and Texas Rangers and made three All-Star teams in his career. He retired in 2000.