State Attorney Phil Archer announced today that his office will not file formal charges against George Zimmerman in connection with his arrest Jan. 9^thfor suspicion of aggravated assault in Lake Mary. The office completed a review of the initial Lake Mary Police Department arrest report as well as additional written and oral statements submitted by the alleged victim after the arrest as part of the ongoing investigation.

            “While it is clear that the officers had probable cause to arrest Mr. Zimmerman which was affirmed by the circuit court judge at initial appearances, the subsequent recantation by the victim of her initial statement along with new documents provided by the victim and her attorney precludes my office from proceeding further,” Archer said.

            The State Attorney’s Office noted that the interview and documents provided by the victim were the result of a subpoena served on her requiring her appearance due to the fact that the victim refused to attend the first scheduled meeting with the office.  The victim denied that Mr. Zimmerman threw a bottle at her and stated that she was never in fear of the Defendant.  She also made it clear that she did not want to proceed with the case. A lack of eyewitnesses or other corroborating evidence to dispute her version of the incident also contributed to the decision.

            Lake Mary Police Chief Steve Bracknell concurred with Archer’s decision and said his office will continue to respond quickly and professionally in protecting the citizens and visitors of Lake Mary.