Ex-Patriot Hernandez's girlfriend said victim of prosecutorial abuse

FALL RIVER, Mass., Sept. 30 (UPI) -- The girlfriend of Aaron Hernandez, the ex-NFL player accused of murder, is a victim of abusive legal tactics to get her to give information, her lawyer says.

Shayanna Jenkins was indicted last week on one count of perjury, prompting her attorney, Janice Bassil, to claim: "The government actions in this case are abusive and overreaching. I don't believe they have sufficient evidence [to charge Jenkins]. They are trying to pressure her, but perhaps they are also trying to pressure him [Hernandez] through her."

Hernandez, 23, a former New England Patriots tight end, is accused of orchestrating the shooting death of Odin Lloyd in June. He has pleaded not guilty to murder and gun charges.

Bassil said her client testified before a Bristol County, Mass., grand jury for two days, before she was indicted on the perjury charge.

The Boston Globe reported in August prosecutors were investigating a phone call and text message Hernandez allegedly sent Jenkins immediately after Lloyd's death, instructing her to "get rid of" firearms he allegedly his in the basement of their home.