Providence basketball player Breed released on bail, witness not cooperating
PROVIDENCE — Allegations that landed Providence College basketball player Alyn Breed in jail on Saturday came under greater scrutiny Tuesday and paved the way for the basketball player's release on bail Tuesday afternoon.
Assistant Attorney General Meghan E. McDonough told District Court Judge J. Patrick O'Neil that she no longer objected to Alyn Breed's release. The complaining witness in the case is no longer cooperating with police or prosecutors, McDonough said, telling the judge that prosecutors are also aware of some "secondhand statements" that the woman is "recanting her original complaint" and "claiming she was under the influence of some kind of substance."
Status with team: Providence basketball's Alyn Breed faces domestic, firearms charges; suspended from team
The charges against Alyn Breed
Breed was arrested Saturday after he was accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend's apartment early that morning, pulling a gun on her, robbing her of her cell phone, and vandalizing a bouquet of flowers. He was also accused of driving a vehicle she owns without her consent; carrying a pistol without a license, using a gun in a crime of violence and carrying a dangerous weapon while committing a crime of violence, according to court records.
Two of the six counts — breaking and entering and vandalism — were charged as domestic violence offenses, according to the criminal complaint filed in court on Monday.
The complaint accuses Breed of accosting his ex-girlfriend with the gun.
More: Judge holds PC player without bail on accusation of gun 'being waved in people's faces'
Prosecutors still intent to bring the case to a grand jury, Breed granted bail
Prosecutors have reviewed "footage" and it contradicts the woman's latest version of events, said McDonough, who also told the judge that prosecutors still intend to bring a case against Breed to a grand jury.
Meanwhile, she said investigators have secured a warrant to obtain the complaining witness' cell phones and her digital media.
O'Neil found the change in circumstances significant enough to grant Breed $25,000 bail with surety, noting it was 50% less than what McDonough requested. To post bail, Breed had to provide $2,500.
'There's many things that concern me about this case'
O'Neil, who had his own encounter with the complaining witness on Monday, amplified his concern that she and Breed might have contact at some point. The judge warned Breed that he will return to jail if he responds in any way to any outreach from the woman in violation of a no contact order.
Then, O'Neil asked the woman to come forward with her lawyer.
Only the lawyer, Stefanie R. Murphy, approached.
"There's many things that concern me about this case," O'Neil told Murphy.
He again emphasized his concerns about any contact between Breed and the woman.
Speaking to media on the steps of the courthouse, one of Breed's lawyers, Pamela Chin, said she understands that the woman told police she now has the cell phone that she previously accused Breed of taking from her at gun-point.
Chin expressed appreciation for the state's agreeability to bail.
"Certainly Alyn is entitled to have his liberty while he is challenging these charges which, obviously, we contend are false," Chin said.
"It's going to take a tremendous effect on him emotionally and personally," she said.
She said she hoped the school would take a second look at Breed's suspension "and not rush to judgment."
"… much like the courts did," Chin added.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: PC basketball player Alyn Breed released on bail
