Jury finds Ravens security director Darren Sanders not guilty of groping charges

BALTIMORE -- A jury on Thursday found the director of security for the Ravens not guilty of charges that he groped a stadium worker after a game.

Darren Sanders was acquitted of second-degree assault and a fourth-degree sex offense stemming from accusations that he inappropriately touched a woman who works for a cleaning crew contracted with M&T Bank Stadium after a game in December.

A Ravens spokesperson said the team was "delighted with the verdict."

The woman told jurors that Sanders appeared drunk and touched her buttocks multiple times despite her repeated requests that he stop.The Associated Press generally doesn't identify alleged victims of sexual assault.

Sanders denied the allegations and told jurors when he took the stand Wednesday that the worker approached him and asked for his phone number but he rebuffed her advances. Sanders told jurors he never touched the woman.

"It's a shame Mr. Sanders had to go through all this,'' said Andy Alperstein, Sanders' attorney. "It was a very difficult time for him and his family, and we're very pleased the right thing happened.''

During closing arguments Thursday, prosecutor Gavin Patashnick told jurors that the trial revolved primarily around power, and that Sanders, a man in an important position for a high-profile corporation, leveraged his influence to exploit a hardworking woman who was vulnerable.

But Alperstein told jurors that Sanders "didn't do a darn thing'' and "has nothing to hide.''

The trial lasted three days, with the fourth day dedicated to closing arguments and jury deliberation.

The NFL said in a statement that the league would "promptly review the matter under the personal conduct policy, including the full trial record. Mr. Sanders will remain on paid leave until our review process is completed."

ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley and The Associated Press contributed to this report.