The attorney for a UNC football player accused of raping another student is saying the initial photos released by the victim’s attorney may have been altered to make injuries look worse.

Kerry Sutton is representing Allen Artis, who was accused of rape by a UNC sophomore Delaney Robinson. Robinson held a press conference in mid-September alleging that Artis had raped her on Valentine’s Day.

At that press conference, Robinson’s attorney – Denise Branch – released pictures of Robinson she said were taken as part of the investigation into the assault. But Sutton is now saying that the photo that was released appears to have alterations made to the color in the photograph.

Sutton said she obtained the photograph that initially caused her concern from the file shared from the District Attorney’s Office. Sutton said the lighting in that picture was different than what was released at Robinson’s press conference.

Branch released a statement in response to the difference in the photos.

“The photograph I presented at the press conference was given to me by Investigator Barbee with the UNC Department of Public Safety. Ms. Sutton has not requested nor has she received any photographs from me or my office. We have no idea from whom or from where Ms. Sutton obtained the photograph she submitted to the forensic analyst, and there is no way we can attest to the authenticity or alteration of Ms. Sutton’s photograph.”

Sutton said she filed a motion on Friday asking to the state to produce photographs.

Robinson took out self-sworn warrants on misdemeanor charges against Artis after the press conference making the allegations public. Officials in the District Attorney’s Office say the investigation, which has the potential to result in felony charges, is ongoing.

Artis has maintained his innocence and that the sexual activity that night was consensual.

The trial date for the misdemeanor charges is set for December 5.

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