Man who pitched for Yuba City Bears accused of rape

A man who pitched for the Yuba City Bears is facing charges of rape for an alleged February incident.

Tyler A. Minton, 20, of the 600 block of Corby Court, Yuba City, was arrested Friday on suspicion of rape and penetration with a foreign object.

Minton’s attorney, Roberto Marquez, said Minton was booked as a formality after being released on his own recognizance by a Sutter County Superior Court judge.

According to the declaration of probable cause, while at the victim’s home between Feb 9 and Feb. 10, Minton asked her if they could have sex. She told him “no” several times, according to the court document. She reported there was not force during the incident but “there was a prior trust-based friendship and she hoped that Minton would stop,” according to the document.

The basis for defense, Marquez said, would be consent.

Minton told a Yuba City police officer that the victim never told him “no” when asked if they could have sex; after not answering, Minton allegedly proceeded.

Another Bears’ player and mutual friend was present before the alleged rape, according to the declaration of probable cause. He told the investigator that he heard the victim tell Minton several times that she did not want to have sex. He allegedly left the victim’s residence before the incident.

According to the document, in a phone call between the victim and Minton, he allegedly made several admissions.

“(The victim) told the male that she told him ‘no over and over again.’ The male responded by saying ‘I know, I know, I don’t know why I kept going ...’” according to the document.

Yuba City Bears head coach Jeramy Gillen declined to comment Monday. Minton’s name is no longer listed on the Bears’ 2017 team roster online, but according to Appeal-Democrat archives, he played as recently as June 20.

Minton is scheduled to next appear in court Aug. 2 and 4.