Olympic sprinter clears Florida charge

January 16, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

Case dropped by prosecutors

Florida prosecutors have dismissed a 2024 domestic violence case against U.S. Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley, according to reporting by TMZ and statements from his legal team. The decision removes one of several criminal cases that have followed the 30 year old athlete over the past two years.

The allegation stemmed from a dispute in May 2024 involving Kerley and his now estranged wife. She accused him of engaging in a physical altercation and claimed he impeded her breathing. TMZ first reported the allegation at the time.

Kerley denied the accusation throughout the proceedings. His attorneys said prosecutors ultimately declined to move forward after reviewing the available evidence.

Reaction after dismissal

Kerley publicly acknowledged the dismissal in a post shared on Instagram, where he described the outcome as vindication after a prolonged legal process.

“They put me through hell, but truth walked me home,” Kerley wrote. “Cases dismissed. Blessing on blessings. Thank to the bests lawyer.”

Kerley was represented by attorneys Richard Cooper and Yale Sanford. Photos shared online showed him posing alongside his legal team following the ruling.

Cooper told TMZ that the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence. “I'm happy to report that the case was dismissed due to an utter lack of evidence and good faith to proceed by the prosecutor,” he said. Cooper added that his client had always maintained his innocence.

Other cases remain active

The dismissal does not resolve all of Kerley’s legal issues. In January 2025, he was arrested following a confrontation with Miami Beach police, during which officers deployed a stun gun.

Sanford told NBC Miami that Kerley is required to complete a six month pre trial diversion program in order for a battery on law enforcement charge to be dismissed, according to NBC Miami’s reporting.

Kerley was later arrested again after being accused of punching his former girlfriend, Olympic hurdler Alaysha Johnson. He was charged with misdemeanor battery and has denied the allegation.

Career shaped by setbacks

Kerley won silver in the 100 meters at the Tokyo Olympics and bronze at the Paris Games in 2024. His competitive trajectory stalled in 2025 after he received a doping ban for a missed test, a ruling he is currently appealing, according to public records cited by multiple outlets.

He has since committed to competing in the Enhanced Games, a controversial event that permits supervised performance enhancing drug use and offers substantial prize money.

“I’m looking forward to this new chapter and competing at the Enhanced Games,” Kerley said in a statement published on the event’s official website.

A moment of relief amid uncertainty

While the dropped case represents a legal victory, Kerley continues to navigate a complex period marked by court proceedings, appeals, and unconventional career decisions, all as he attempts to remain active in elite sprinting.

Sources: TMZ, NBC Miami

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