Colts S Joe Lefeged Released on Own Recognizance

Nov 18, 2012; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) shares some words with Indianapolis Colts strong safety Joe Lefeged (35) during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Against the request of the prosecution, Colts safety and former Rutgers star Joe Lefeged was released on his own recognizance without bond after waiving a preliminary hearing Tuesday on gun-related charges. Because Lefeged waived the hearing, the case was automatically referred to a grand jury.

The prosecutors would have needed probable cause to keep Lefeged and proceed. Here is some more information from a USA Today report:

"Judge Frederick Sullivan ordered Lefeged released following his appearance in the district’s Superior Court. Lefeged, 25, entering his third season with the Colts, had been jailed since his arrest early Saturday following a traffic stop. Police allege a gun was found in a vehicle fled by Lefeged and two other men."

Lefeged is facing a max penalty of a $5,000 fine and up to five years in jail. Here’s more from the USA Today report:

"In releasing Lefeged, the judge issued a warning: “You get caught with a weapon or some drugs, you’re going to jail,” Sullivan said.The judge said he had concerns about the alleged attempt to flee the scene.“The flight problem bothers me more than anything, but that’s for a judge down the road,” Sullivan said."

We will keep you posted as this situation drags on. Lefeged could face some punishment from the NFL, but that remains to be seen. Expect this to drag out for a while.