While many of us are still continuing to shelter at home during the COVID-19 outbreak, or at least are practicing social distancing and wearing facial masks when we are out, some folks in Miramar, Florida decided to throw a house party last week. And now two professional football players, including a new Seattle Seahawks cornerback, find themselves accused of armed robbery after an argument broke out at the party.

Quinton Dunbar, who was just recently drafted to play for the Seattle Seahawks from the Washington Redskins, and Deandre Baker of the New York Giants are accused of using weapons to rob several people who were attending a house party in Miramar. Witnesses from the house party claim that the two used guns to take money and expensive jewelry from party attendees. Michael Grieco, Dunbar's attorney, claims that several of the witnesses have since recanted their statements to the Broward County sheriff's office.

The party happened on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, and warrants for Dunbar and Baker were issued the following day. Dunbar was charged with four counts of armed robbery with a firearm, while Baker was charged with four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and armed robbery. The two turned themselves in to a Broward County jail on May 16th. Dunbar posted $100,000 in bond and was released from jail on May 17th. He immediately posted a statement to his supporters on his Instagram page:

“I would like to thank all my fans for the support and apologize to the Seattle Seahawks organization for any unnecessary distractions that these allegations against me may have caused.”

Dunbar's attorney, Grieco, has accused the Miramar police department of jeopardizing Dunbar's career by Tweet-bragging Dunbar's arrest and being overzealous in their handling of the case. Grieco says that the charges against Dunbar “hold no water.”

Washington Armed Robbery

In Washington, robbery and burglary are considered as “strike” penalties. In other words, if you are accused and convicted of three strikes, you could be put into jail for life. Dunbar's attorney claims that many of the witnesses at the Miramar house party have recanted their statements to the police, which raises some questions about how the police conducted their investigation and also about how reliable witnesses really are.

At this Miramar house party, it might be safe to assume that alcohol or even drugs were involved. If the party attendees were intoxicated at the time of the alleged robbery incident, they may not be absolutely sure what happened and who perpetrated what. In the chaos of the moment, combined with intoxicated party-goers, events that really happened may be misconstrued or taken out of context.

Proven Seattle Criminal Defense

If you have been accused of a serious crime like robbery or burglary, you need an experienced Seattle-area attorney who understands how the criminal justice system works and who will fight for your rights. Steve Karimi is a former King County prosecutor who now works to defend those in the greater Seattle area of accused crimes. If you are facing criminal charges as serious as armed robbery, you need the assistance of Karimi Law Office. Call 206-621-8777 for a free consultation of your case today.