Arizona Woman Charged with Fraud and Extortion in Trevor Bauer Case

An Arizona woman, accused, assault, charged of sexual assault has been indicted by a grand jury on felony charges of fraudulent schemes and theft by extortion. The woman, identified as Darcy Adanna Esemonu, is accused of obtaining a benefit from Bauer by means of fraudulent pretenses and threatening to expose a secret or fact involving another individual.

The indictment, unsealed on Monday in Maricopa County Superior Court, alleges that Esemonu defrauded Bauer and one other person in a scheme that potentially spanned several years. Bauer was never arrested or charged in the sexual assault case, and he countersued Esemonu, claiming they had a consensual sexual encounter in 2020 and that she faked a pregnancy to extort money from him.

Esemonu filed a civil lawsuit against Bauer in 2023, alleging he sexually assaulted her in 2020, which led to an 'unplanned pregnancy.' Bauer said Esemonu demanded $3.6 million from him for allegedly pressuring her to have an abortion, which he denies. He claims Esemonu was never even pregnant and made up a 'bogus sexual assault claim' after he refused to pay her.

Why this matters: The charges against Esemonu highlight the complex nature of high-profile sexual assault cases and the potential for false allegations. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Bauer's efforts to revive his MLB career and for the broader conversation surrounding athlete misconduct and accountability.

Esemonu reported the alleged incident to the Scottsdale Police Department in December 2022, but the detective found that the medical records she provided did not indicate whether she was actually pregnant. Bauer's attorney also filed a criminal complaint accusing Esemonu of theft by extortion.

The Los Angeles Dodgers cut ties with Bauer in January 2023 after the former Cy Young Award winner received an unparalleled suspension following allegations of sexual assault by multiple women. Bauer has been trying to revive his MLB career and has since signed a deal to pitch in Mexico.

Esemonu faces up to 16 years in jail if convicted on both charges. Her next court date is April 26, and her civil case against Bauer does not currently have another hearing scheduled. The INDICTED, sexual, assault against Esemonu comes as Bauer continues to deny any wrongdoing in the sexual assault allegations made against him, with his attorney stating, "Mr. Bauer looks forward to the opportunity to prove that the complainant's claims are false and to hold her and those working in concert with her accountable for their actions."

Key Takeaways

• Arizona woman indicted on fraud, extortion charges against MLB player Bauer
• Bauer countersued accuser, claiming consensual encounter and false pregnancy claim
• Accuser filed civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault, leading to Bauer's suspension
• Charges highlight complexities of high-profile sexual assault cases, potential for false claims
• Accuser faces up to 16 years in jail if convicted, Bauer denies any wrongdoing