Former Fullerton Quarterback, Espinoza, Arrested on Assault Charges at Iowa State
Alex Espinoza, Iowa State University’s top quarterback who transferred from Cal State Fullerton two years ago, was arrested Tuesday and charged with three counts of assault in connection with fights with students twice in the past two weeks.
Espinoza, 20, surrendered to Ames police Tuesday afternoon, authorities said. He was processed, then released on his promise to appear in court at 1 o’clock today.
Story County Attorney Mary Richards said two counts of assault-serious misdemeanor and one count of assault-simple misdemeanor were filed against Espinoza, a former All-American at St. Paul High who led the Swordsmen to the Big 5 championship and a No. 1 national ranking in 1981.
The two serious misdemeanor charges each carry a maximum penalty of a year in prison and a $1,000 fine on conviction. He could receive 30 days in jail and a $100 fine if convicted of the third charge.
Ames police said they received complaints that the ISU football player assaulted students near the ISU campus late on April 20 and again on April 25. Police Chief Dennis Ballantine said the same people were involved in both incidents, and one of them suffered a minor concussion.
Police did not release names of the victims.
Espinoza, who has an unlisted telephone number, could not be reached for comment.
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