A former OSU wrestling star has been taken into custody and is facing a very serious felony charge. Albert James Ferrari, Jr., 21, was charged August 3 with one count of sexual battery in Payne County District Court.
According to reports, Ferrari allegedly attacked a woman at her apartment on July 2. She told police Ferrari had pinned her down, took her shirt off, masturbated, and then ejaculated on her.
Reports also stated that the woman described Ferrari “as a family friend.”
A protective order filed on July 5 by the victim stated, “I told him to stop again and he said that I was strong and put up a good fight. I tried shoving him off of me and it didn’t work. … I asked him to stop over and over.” The protective order was dismissed on August 3.
Derek Chance, Ferrari’s attorney, released a statement in July when the allegations came to light. “The allegations against AJ are false. It is unfortunate that a student-athlete can become a target, primarily because of their status as an elite athlete.”
The OSU Wrestling program and Ferarri departed ways after the allegations. Ferrari won the 2021 National Championship as a freshman. During his sophomore season, he remained undefeated until he was seriously injured in a car crash on Highway 33 between Perkins and Ripley in January.
Bond for Ferrari was set at $25,000 at his preliminary hearing conference and was ordered not to have any contact with the victim. His next court date was not available at press time.
