Man charged after green sex toy hits 12-year-old girl at Liberty game as WNBA stunt sparks criminal crackdown
Brooklyn, NY – A 32-year-old Ohio man has been arrested and charged after allegedly throwing a green sex toy during a New York Liberty game, striking a 12-year-old girl in the leg, in what prosecutors say may be part of a disturbing new nationwide trend linked to a viral crypto promotion.
Charles Burgess of Dayton, Ohio, turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday and now faces 10 criminal charges, including felony assault with a weapon, interfering with a sporting event, and obscenity.
The incident occurred during a WNBA game at Barclays Center, where spectators reportedly witnessed a green phallic-shaped object hurled onto the court. Police confirmed the object hit a young girl sitting courtside. She was not seriously injured, but the incident has triggered widespread outrage and an ongoing criminal investigation.
Burgess’ attorney, Paul D’Emilia, said in a statement that prosecutors believe the act may be connected to a growing publicity stunt involving a new cryptocurrency. According to an ESPN report, promoters of the coin have encouraged fans to throw green sex toys at women’s basketball players as part of a coordinated viral campaign.
“The Brooklyn DA’s office has indicated a desire to speak to the defense, particularly in regards to others’ involvement in this fast-spreading phenomenon occurring at WNBA venues,” D’Emilia wrote.
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office has not confirmed specific targets in the investigation, but sources say prosecutors are working with security teams from multiple WNBA arenas as they review surveillance footage and social media posts.
The Liberty organization has not publicly commented on the case, but league officials are expected to meet with law enforcement following the incident.
