USC Player Facing Felony Charges

USC freshman running back Ted Iacenda has been charged with sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl at a Las Vegas motel, a Clark County district attorney said Wednesday.

The incident allegedly occurred July 7 with Iacenda, a record-breaking back from Newhall Hart High, accused of engaging in sexual intercourse against the will and consent of the victim. That act would be a felony, according to Chief Deputy Dist. Atty. Ronald Bloxham.

Coach John Robinson said Iacenda, who has a shoulder injury and has played in only one game, will be held out of practice and games until the coach can learn more about the case.

Bloxham identified the victim as a California resident. “It appears she is a former girlfriend,” said Tom Pitaro, Iacenda’s attorney.

Iacenda, who made a court appearance in Las Vegas on Wednesday, was not available for comment. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday. Pitaro said a preliminary hearing will follow within three months.

If found guilty, Iacenda faces a 10-year prison sentence before he would be eligible for parole, Bloxham said.

Pitaro said, “I have a kid who is falsely accused, but I’m not going into the facts [of the case] with you. I’m confident we can successfully take care of this case. It’s a terrible thing for an 18-year-old to go through.”

Iacenda, twice the Southern Section’s Division II player of the year, was released on his own recognizance after turning himself in to Las Vegas police, Pitaro said. A warrant had been issued for his arrest.

In three varsity seasons for Hart, Iacenda gained 5,861 yards rushing and receiving. His career totals of 99 touchdowns and 604 points set section records.

Iacenda, 6 feet and 225 pounds, was one of the nation’s most sought-after high school running backs last spring. He was an excellent student who scored more than 1,300 on the Scholastic Assessment Test.

He was a probable redshirt this season, having played in only the 55-3 victory over Illinois on Sept. 7. In that game, he had six yards rushing and caught a 24-yard pass.

After practice Wednesday, Robinson said, “We have to look at the facts in the case and talk with the family and the attorney.. . . . From what I know right now, I’d say we will hold him out of competition until we know more about it.”