U of Illinois softball player pleads not guilty to charge

URBANA, Ill. (AP) - A University of Illinois softball player faces a disorderly conduct charge after police accused her of falsely reporting being mugged.

Court records indicate 18-year-old Stephanie Abello pleaded not guilty to the Class 4 felony charge on March 23. A judge on Tuesday agreed to push back her next court appearance until May 17.

The News-Gazette reports (http://bit.ly/1SvNdU9 ) Abello told campus police on Jan. 23 that she was mugged by a man. She had a bloody nose and black eye.

Police say that after reviewing surveillance video they decided to re-interview Abello and she said she injured herself.

Abello is from Batavia and is a freshman. She continues to play for the team.

Teammate Ruby Fernandez-Rivera is in a crime-diversion program after admitting she damaged a campus menorah in February.

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Information from: The News-Gazette, http://www.news-gazette.com