Sex crimes are one of the most hotly prosecuted crimes in the state of Texas. That is something that Luke Armstrong, son of cyclist Lance Armstrong, may find out firsthand. According to a major Austin news outlet, Luke Armstrong has now been arrested and accused of sexually assaulting a child.
The incident in question occurred when the now 21-year-old Armstrong was 18. The victim, who was 16 years old at the time of the alleged attack, told police in November of 2020 that in June of 2018, she has asked Armstrong to pick her up from a party that she was attending. She told him that she had been drinking. The girl claims that she has no memory of riding in Armstrong’s truck away from the party. She says the next thing she remembers is waking up on Armstrong’s couch while he was sexually assaulting her.
Years later, in December of 2020, a phone call took place between the victim and Armstrong, where it is suggested that Armstrong admitted to having sex with the victim. However, Armstrong’s attorney claims that back in 2018, the two were involved in a relationship that had been going on for several months. He says that the sex that took place in June of 2018 was consensual and that the two had been involved sexually for some time already. Armstrong’s attorney also claims that the two parted ways. He says that sexual assault charges should not have been filed three years after the fact.
Austin police investigating the incident interviewed several friends of the victim. Many have admitted that the victim had told them she had been sexually assaulted. One friend did tell the police that they thought the sex had been consensual. Armstrong says that he will cooperate with the district attorney’s office and maintains his innocence. He has been released on a personal recognizance bond, and his family says they are standing behind him.
One of the defense strategies that could be employed in a case such as this is citing the Romeo and Juliet Law. This law allows some juveniles to legally give consent to have sexual relations as long as the partner is within three years of their own age. However, a defense also has to argue that the sexual contact was consensual in nature and not an unwanted assault.
How this case plays out will depend on the facts of the investigation. These types of sexual assault crimes can be difficult because of the he-said, she-said nature of the claims. The one thing that is certain is that Luke Armstrong has been accused of a sex crime: a crime that can carry serious criminal consequences as well as implications for his future and reputation.
If you have been accused of committing a sex crime, especially against a minor, it is imperative that you get skilled legal representation on your side immediately. Don’t take a wait-and-see approach to see how things play out. Protect your rights and your personal and professional reputation. At Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian, we have a skilled team of lawyers who will advocate for you. Contact us today by calling (972) 369-0577, and let’s get started with a free case evaluation.