The charge of assault against former Nebraska coach Joseph was dismissed

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Criminal assault charges against former Nebraska interim head coach and assistant Mickey Joseph The victim refused to testify and was fired Wednesday.

Joseph was charged with assault by strangulation or strangulation in connection with a domestic violence incident at a Lincoln home in November.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled, but prosecutor Erica Pruss emailed Lancaster County Judge Laurie Yardley in February saying the suspect would not testify.

Pruess said a law enforcement officer in Arizona, where the victim now lives, tried unsuccessfully to serve a subpoena to compel the alleged victim to appear as a material witness.

According to the court filing Monday, the officer made seven attempts to serve the summons at a Phoenix-area residence between March 22 and 27. The officer said he saw someone through a window at the residence at least once.

Joseph, dressed in a suit and tie, appeared on video at Wednesday’s hearing with his attorney, Sean Brennan. A message seeking comment was left on Joseph’s mobile.

Police went to a Lincoln residence on the afternoon of Nov. 30 — two days after Matt Rhule was named the Cornhuskers’ new coach — after a report of a domestic disturbance. After investigation, Joseph was arrested elsewhere.

In the year Following the firing of Scott Frost in 2022, Joseph served as Nebraska’s interim football coach for nine games. After Joseph’s arrest, he was placed on administrative leave and the university announced that he would no longer participate in the football program two weeks later.

The victim told police that she and Joseph had been arguing and Joseph pushed her and caused her to fall on the couch. She said Joseph climbed on top of her and put his hands around her throat.

“He pushed me on the couch and choked me,” she said, according to police. She said that her breathing was obstructed and she could not breathe until she pushed him away.

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As she entered the kitchen, Joseph grabbed her hair from behind and pulled her back, causing her to fall to the floor. In the process of falling, Joseph hit her with a closed fist in the left temple.

Police said she had redness and swelling around her left eye, consistent with a beating, and multiple hairs were seen sticking to her pant leg. She said her hair was pulled from her when Joseph grabbed her.

The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they have been seriously abused. The woman in Joseph’s case has not identified herself publicly.

Less than two weeks after Joseph’s indictment, Priscilla Joseph filed for legal separation in Lancaster County Court. A judge denied Priscilla Joseph’s request to seal records in the case.

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