Jackson Mahomes charges, explained: Why prosecutors dropped felony case against Patrick Mahomes’ brother

Patrick Mahomes became so famous so quickly that even members of his family became household names. That includes Mahomes’ brother, Jackson, who made frequent appearances at Arrowhead Stadium and maintained a heavy social media presence during his MVP brother’s ascent to the top of the NFL.

Controversy often found Jackson Mahomes, and that was never more true than after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl 58 win over the Eagles when he faced criminal charges for a Feb. 25 incident at a bar.

The younger Mahomes has spent more time out of the limelight this season as his brother tries to become the first quarterback in 19 years to win back-to-back championships, but the spotlight will intensify on the Mahomes family if Kansas City’s playoff run continues.

Here’s what you need to know about Mahomes’ charges and why they are being dropped by prosecutors.

What did Jackson Mahomes do?

Jackson Mahomes was charged with one count of misdemeanor battery and three counts of aggravated sexual battery in May, nearly three months after he was accused of forcibly kissing the owner of a Kansas City-area bar and shoving a 19-year-old waiter.

Video from the bar appeared to show Mahomes’ unwanted kiss, and his lawyers confirmed after the video’s release that they were cooperating with a police investigation.

While the incident was Mahomes’ first known run-in with the law, he found himself embroiled in multiple controversies in previous years. He apologized to fans after filming a TikTok dance on a logo honoring the late Sean Taylor in 2021, and he was caught pouring water on Ravens fans during a Chiefs loss one month earlier.

Mahomes has remained around the Chiefs this season, though he has avoided controversy amid the legal process. Instagram posts show Mahomes attended at least five games during the Chiefs’ season.

Why were Jackson Mahomes’ charges dropped?

Prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss Mahomes’ felony sexual assault charges in early January. According to documents obtained by USA Today, the victim chose not to cooperate with the investigation and noted that she didn’t contact police after the incident.

Mahomes’ legal team released a statement after the charges were dropped, proclaiming his client’s innocence and saying his team had “full confidence that the truth of the matter would ultimately be revealed.”

The case isn’t yet settled, as Mahomes still faces a misdemeanor battery charge for allegedly shoving a waiter.

While the bar’s owner said she never contacted police, she did speak to The Kansas City Star about the incident in 2023, telling the outlet that Mahomes forcibly kissed her and “proceeded to do it two more times” after she confronted him. The bar has since closed, which she blames on negative attention and threats as a result of the incident.

It’s unclear when Mahomes’ remaining charge could be resolved.