In a newly released statement, the attorney of the alleged victim in the Jameis Winston’s sexual assault case claims that the Florida State University quarterback raped his client, and that local detectives warned her against pursuing legal action.

The statement constitutes the alleged victim’s first public comments on the events that occurred on Dec. 7, 2012—the night that Winston allegedly sexually assaulted her, the Tampa Bay Times reports. The unnamed victim’s attorney claims that she sought assistance from police, but was informed that Tallahassee was “a big football town” and that she might want to consider pursuing a case against Winston.

“In early January, when the victim identified the perpetrator [of the alleged rape] as Jameis Winston, the [victim’s] family grew concerned that she would be targeted on campus,” the statement said. “We requested assistance from an attorney friend to interact with law enforcement on the victim’s behalf.”

“When the attorney contacted Detective Angulo immediately after Winston was identified, Detective Angulo told the attorney that Tallahassee was a big football town and the victim needs to think long and hard before proceeding against him because she will be raked over the coals and her life will be made miserable.”

Furthermore, the victim’s statement claims that the Tallahassee police detective refused to collect a DNA sample from Winston, or to interview the Heisman Trophy candidate’s roommate, who allegedly witnessed the attack. “Detective Angulo stated that such activity would alert Winston and the matter could go public,” the statement read.

In addition, Tallahassee police officials purportedly alerted Winston’s lawyers to the case as far back as February, giving them ample time to prepare a defense in the event of a sexual assault charge, according to the statement. “The victim was shocked to hear that Winston’s attorney was not only aware of the case but had been told by Tallahassee Police Department that the case had been closed in February,” the statement said.

Finally, the victim’s statement poses several direct questions regarding the police’s handling of the Winston rape case. For example, the accuser wants to know why Winston was not identified as a suspect in an initial police report, and why it took Detective Angulo several months to “verbally inform the family of the blood work results.” The victim’s entire statement can be read here, courtesy of the Tampa Bay Times.

The victim adds that she never wished for news of the case to become public and did not leak the information in the midst of Florida State’s undefeated season.

News of Winston’s involvement in the case broke last week, after TMZ learned that the Florida State quarterback was being investigated for felony sexual assault. A University representative acknowledged the case, but noted that there would be no change in Winston’s playing status.

“We are aware of a matter that was investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department almost a year ago. Because the investigation has not been closed by TPD, we cannot comment further at this time. We look forward to a speedy resolution of the case. There is no change in Jameis Winston’s status,” the representative said, according to TMZ.

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