Police in Miami Beach have said they are “proactively investigating” an alleged sexual assault at an Armagh GAA team trip last month.
Miami Beach PD last week told The Irish News it was “unaware” of any reported sexual battery at the Eden Roc Resort hotel, where more than 100 people connected to Armagh’s All-Ireland winning team had been staying.
The PSNI confirmed however it had arrested and released a 30-year-old man in connection with an alleged sexual assault on the trip.
A solicitor for an unidentified man arrested as part of the investigation into the incident has said he is innocent of all charges and vowed to clear his name.
In a new statement released by Miami Beach PD on Sunday, it said it is now investigating an incident and will be working with the PSNI as part of any investigation.
“The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) is aware of allegations of a sexual battery during a recent stay at the Eden Roc Hotel in our city,” a spokesperson said.
“Our records do not reflect any call for service or documented interaction between the victim and our officers regarding this incident.
“Nevertheless, MBPD treats such allegations with the highest level of seriousness. In response, we have proactively launched an investigation and are working closely with federal and state law enforcement partners to facilitate any assistance required by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
“We remain committed to ensuring public safety and providing a comprehensive and collaborative response to any reports of criminal activity in our jurisdiction.”
The outgoing chairperson of Armagh GAA says its officials are “working tirelessly” alongside the PSNI in relation to the alleged sexual assault last month.
At the county’s annual convention held in Corrinshego, Newry this week, outgoing chair Paul McArdle addressed the issue in front of attendees.
“We fully understand our clubs and members are concerned and aware of recent reports of an alleged incident in Miami,” Mr McArdle said in a statement to the Sunday World.
“I want to be absolutely clear on this matter, contrary to what you may have read or heard, Armagh GAA has and will continue to fully support and cooperate with everyone to ensure procedures are followed.
“I want to reassure our clubs and members that we have worked tirelessly and diligently with Ulster GAA, National GAA and the PSNI over recent weeks.
“Yesterday, the GAA issued a statement that had the full support of Armagh GAA.
“For those who are not aware of it, it reads: ‘We are aware of a reported incident and are responding to serious allegations. We can confirm Armagh GAA is continuing to respond to this matter in collaboration with Ulster GAA, the GAA at Central Level and the PSNI.’
“Out of respect for those involved and ongoing police enquiries, we are unable to comment any further at this time.”
Clubs in Armagh had contributed thousands of pounds each towards the cost of the Florida trip for the All-Ireland winning squad, along with partners, coaches and staff connected to the team.
GAA headquarters in Croke Park contributed €150,000 towards the holiday, with the travelling party staying at the luxury Eden Roc resort in Miami Beach.
