Pats WR Julian Edelman avoids prosecution in misdemeanor vandalism case

Julian Edelman will not be prosecuted on misdemeanor vandalism charges stemming from an incident earlier this year, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office. 

A court appearance scheduled for Monday, April 13, has subsequently been canceled.

The New England Patriots star was arrested at approximately 9 p.m. on Jan. 11 in Beverly Hills, Calif., after jumping on the hood of a Mercedes that had stopped for pedestrians while leaving a parking lot outside a restaurant, according to reports.

After being taken into custody and charged with misdemeanor vandalism, the 33-year-old wide receiver was released.

The L.A. County D.A.’s office released a statement Thursday in which it shared that the owner of the vehicle did not want Edelman prosecuted after Edelman fully compensated him for the repair costs for the damage caused.

“The owner of the vehicle has informed the DA’s Office that he does not want the arrestee to be prosecuted for the proposed vandalism charge. The arrestee has no known criminal history,” the statement read, per Mike Reiss of ESPN. “Case filing declined in the interests of justice.”

While Edelman could be subjected to league discipline — including a suspension — even without prosecution under Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement, it was believed at the time of the arrest that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was not expected to pursue any punishment.