The Chicago Blackhawks have reinstated forward prospect Garret Ross after a charge of non-consensual dissemination of sexual images against him was dropped Tuesday, per a statement released by the team.
A spokesperson for DeKalb County’s state attorney announced the decision to drop charges against Ross after it was discovered that the alleged crime committed by him had occurred in another state and therefore was outside their jurisdiction.
Ross, a 2012 fifth-round pick in the NHL Draft, had been suspended indefinitely by the Blackhawks last week after word of the legal situation surrounding him spread. The 23-year-old had originally been charged in early February after a four-month investigation stemming from a complaint originally made in September.
While Ross may be a resident of Illinois, jurisdiction for criminal charges is limited to the place where the alleged crime occurred. Michigan also does not presently have a revenge porn law similar to the one that Ross was being charged with in Illinois.
Ross is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. At this point, it appears they’re not ready to cut ties with him.
Here’s the full statement from the team:
“On March 23, 2016, the Chicago Blackhawks suspended Garret Ross after learning of a legal proceeding against him, and stated at that time that the suspension was indefinite pending the outcome of the legal process. We learned today, March 29, that the legal process concluded in Illinois with the dismissal of all charges against Garret. As a result, Garret Ross is reinstated with the IceHogs, effective immediately. We will have no further comment on the matter.”