A judge in Johnson County has made the decision to dismiss three sexual assault charges filed against Jackson Mahomes, the brother of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The charges were dropped during a preliminary hearing, just one day after prosecutors moved to dismiss the criminal complaints.

Mahomes, a 23-year-old social media influencer, had been arrested in May 2023 and faced three felony counts of aggravated assault and a misdemeanor battery charge. These charges were related to alleged incidents that took place on February 25, 2023, at Aspen's, a now-closed restaurant in Overland Park, Kansas.

Surveillance video from that night captured Mahomes grabbing the restaurant's owner and forcibly kissing her. However, Mahomes still faces the remaining misdemeanor battery charge.

Present in court alongside his lawyers were Mahomes' father, Patrick Mahomes Sr., and mother, Randi Mahomes. Prosecutors informed the judge that the decision to drop the three felony charges stemmed from Aspen Vaughn, a 40-year-old woman who claimed to be the victim in the case. Vaughn plans to invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination if she is compelled to testify.

Despite the state's attempt to serve subpoenas to several witnesses for Wednesday's hearing, they have been unsuccessful in reaching Vaughn, who prosecutors believe is actively avoiding appearing in court. In a motion to dismiss the charges, prosecutors also conveyed that even if granted immunity, Vaughn would assert that she had been untruthful to the police and that the encounter with Mahomes was consensual.

Prosecutors emphasized to the judge that Vaughn's attitude towards the case had recently changed significantly, after previously cooperating for months. They also noted that reluctance to testify and serve as a witness is not uncommon in sexual assault cases.

In August 2023, Vaughn spoke to KMBC 9 about the case, expressing her misgivings concerning the ongoing criminal investigation. She has yet to comment on the recent development in the charges. Vaughn has been subject to constant criticism and harassment due to the viral surveillance video, despite not being the one pressing charges.

The dismissal of the three felony charges does not affect the fourth charge faced by Mahomes, which relates to a different alleged victim in the case. According to a probable cause affidavit, Mahomes allegedly shoved an employee multiple times at Aspen's Restaurant. The employee's father reported the incident to the police.

Mahomes pleaded not guilty to the remaining battery charge. His legal team informed the judge that he does not wish to pursue a diversion or plea deal, instead opting to take the case to a jury trial. The trial is tentatively scheduled for March 25, 2024.

With the dismissal of the felony charges, Mahomes is now permitted to communicate with a friend identified as a key witness in the sexual assault case.

This development in the Jackson Mahomes case has garnered significant attention, and the coverage by KMBC 9 has provided additional details and perspectives on the ongoing legal proceedings.