**Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve Arrested in Shocking Allegation of Sexual Assault**
*Houston, TX — May 2, 2025*
In a stunning and deeply troubling development, Houston Astros star second baseman José Altuve was arrested early Thursday morning on allegations of sexual assault. Authorities confirmed that the 34-year-old baseball icon was taken into custody at his home in the Memorial area of Houston following the execution of a warrant issued late Wednesday evening.
The Harris County District Attorney’s office revealed during a morning press briefing that the alleged assault occurred on the night of April 26, following a private event hosted by Altuve at an upscale downtown venue. The accuser, whose identity is being withheld for privacy reasons, reportedly came forward with detailed allegations supported by witness statements and preliminary forensic evidence.
“This is a serious charge, and we are treating it as such,” said District Attorney Linda Garcia. “Mr. Altuve, like all accused individuals, is presumed innocent until proven guilty, but we are confident in the evidence that led to this arrest.”
Altuve was booked into the Harris County Jail just before 6 a.m. and is currently being held pending arraignment. Sources close to the investigation said the charge stems from an encounter that the accuser alleges began consensually but quickly escalated beyond the boundaries of consent. Surveillance footage from the venue and text messages exchanged between the parties are believed to be key components of the case.
The Houston Astros organization released a brief statement acknowledging the arrest:
“We are aware of the serious allegations involving José Altuve. The organization is cooperating fully with the authorities and will refrain from further comment until the legal process unfolds.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred also issued a statement expressing concern over the situation and confirming that Altuve has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation. “We take these matters with utmost seriousness,” Manfred said. “The league will conduct its own investigation alongside law enforcement.”
Altuve, a perennial All-Star and 2017 American League MVP, has been a beloved figure in Houston and a cornerstone of the Astros’ success over the past decade. News of his arrest sent shockwaves through the baseball community and left fans reeling.
“I don’t know what to say,” said longtime Astros fan Marcus Delgado outside Minute Maid Park. “It’s heartbreaking. We’ve admired him for so long—not just for how he plays but who we thought he was as a person.”
Altuve’s attorney, Michael DeLeon, spoke briefly to reporters, stating: “Mr. Altuve categorically denies these allegations. We will fight this vigorously in court and are confident that the truth will exonerate him.”
The arraignment is scheduled for Friday morning, and bond is expected to be set at that time. If convicted, Altuve could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years under Texas law.
As the legal process begins, fans, teammates, and the broader baseball world are left grappling with a difficult, unfolding story that threatens to redefine the legacy of one of the sport’s most celebrated figures.
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