El Paso DA opts not to pursue charges against Jackson

EL PASO, Texas -- The El Paso County district attorney said Thursday that his office is declining to prosecute UTEP junior guard Stefon Jackson, who was accused of lying to authorities about the whereabouts of a cousin from Philadelphia wanted on a felony warrant.

Jackson, 21, was arrested last month and charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution.

"In reviewing the facts of this case we don't believe there's sufficient evidence to indicate that a crime was committed," District Attorney Jaime Esparza said in Thursday's online edition of the El Paso Times.

Jackson's cousin was wanted on six federal counts, including two attempted murder charges relating to a March shooting that wounded five in Pennsylvania.

UTEP coach Tony Barbee expressed relief at the decision.

"We are glad that a resolution has been reached in Stefon's case," Barbee said in a statement. "I'm sure that he is looking forward to putting this behind him and getting back to focusing on school and basketball."

Jackson's attorney said his client is grateful the situation is behind him.

"I'm just glad they (the district attorney's office) had a chance to look at it and come back with a decision relatively quick," said attorney Dolph Quijano.

Jackson, who was seventh in the nation in scoring last season at 23.6 points per game, led the Miners in scoring the last two seasons.