Ex-49er Stubblefield wants prosecutor removed from rape case
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A former San Francisco 49er accused of raping a woman described as mentally delayed called on a Northern California district attorney on Friday to turn over prosecution of the case to the state attorney general.
Attorneys for Dana Stubblefield on Friday argued in court papers that Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen is using the high-profile case to further his political ambitions for higher office.
Rosen hasn't publicly announced plans to run for another elective office.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Stubblefield's attorney said the district attorney has publicly released "selective" and prejudicial information about the case that threatens the former defensive lineman's right to a fair trial.
The district attorney charged Stubblefield on Monday with raping a woman last year in his Morgan Hill, California, home.
The woman, who was then 31, traveled to Stubblefield's home on April 9, 2015, to interview for a job baby-sitting his children. Investigators say she left after 20 minutes, but she returned when Stubblefield texted her that he wanted to pay for her time.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}After raping her, investigators said, Stubblefield gave her $80 and let her go. The woman immediately went to the Morgan Hill Police Department and reported the rape, prosecutors said.
On Tuesday, Stubblefield said the encounter was consensual, and his attorneys denied the woman suffered from any disability that prevented her from consenting.
Stubblefield's attorney said the woman asked him for money several times after the encounter and that he provided her with a small amount for car repairs.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Rosen's office said in a prepared statement Friday that it would respond to the recusal request in court.
"Our response is the evidence we will present in court," the office said in a prepared statement. "We seek justice for the victim and the people."