Javier Loya, minority owner of the Houston Texans, is facing a rape charge in Kentucky
Javier Loya, a minority owner of the Houston Texans, is facing a rape charge in Kentucky, according to court records. Loya has been charged with one count of first-degree rape, five counts of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of third-degree sexual abuse in Jefferson County, Kentucky.
He's accused of groping and sexually abusing multiple women during private parties at his house on back-to-back days in 2022, CBS affiliate KHOU-TV reported, citing court records.
According to court documents, Loya sexually abused at least three women who were hired to work at a party he hosted in May 2022, the station reported.
Loya's attorney Andrew Sarne said Monday that Loya "unequivocally and categorically denies these allegations and will vigorously defend his innocence," the Houston Chronicle reported.
The 53-year-old Loya was indicted and pleaded not guilty in May. He posted a $50,000 bond.
"We are aware of the serious charges filed in the Commonwealth of Kentucky against Javier Loya, one of our outside limited partners," the Texans said in a statement. "We have agreed with Mr. Loya that while those charges are pending, he will remove himself entirely from any team or league activities."
A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that Loya's stake in the team is less than 1%. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because ownership stakes aren't publicly disclosed.
"The club promptly notified the league of the serious pending charges against Mr. Loya after they were filed," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. "Mr. Loya has not been permitted to participate in any league or club activity during this process. He is no longer on any league committees."
Loya is the co-founder and chairman of Houston company OTC Global Holdings. He has had a stake in the Texans since their inception in 2002.
The case is set for a pretrial conference on Aug. 22.
Pro Football Talk was first to report that Loya was facing charges.