Second charge filed against Baltimore Ravens security chief

BALTIMORE (AP) The head of security for the Baltimore Ravens, who is accused of groping a stadium worker, is now facing a second-degree assault charge in the same case.

Darren Sanders, a former Baltimore Police Department officer, was charged in late December with a fourth-degree sex offense. The case stems from allegations that he grabbed the woman's breasts and buttocks and kissed her without her permission while she escorted him to his car at the stadium. Sanders denies the allegations.

Sanders had a role in the Ravens' handling of a domestic violence case involving player Ray Rice after video surfaced showing Rice hitting his then-fiancee in an elevator.

The additional charge was made public Tuesday after the case was transferred from District Court to Circuit Court for trial.

Sanders' attorney, Warren Alperstein, said it is not uncommon for cases to be transferred to Circuit Court, where it is easier to manage complex cases.

Baltimore State's Attorney's Office spokeswoman Tammy Brown said prosecutors ultimately determined there was enough evidence to add the assault charge.

The case did not go before a grand jury because the state has the authority to bring certain misdemeanor charges, including second-degree assault, without one.

The Ravens have placed Sanders on paid leave.