LOGAN — A 19-year-old Utah State University football player has been arrested and charged with raping a girl at a party. Jamaal A. Evans was booked Wednesday night into the Cache County Jail.
Logan City Police Capt. Curtis Hooley said officers began investigating Evans after a female student reported being raped to school officials.
“Within a couple days, a detective met with her and did a full interview and interviewed a whole bunch of people who were witnesses,” explained Hooley. “He was able to determine that a sexual assault had occurred.”
Evans was signed by USU in 2016. He is listed as a freshman linebacker on the Aggie 2018 football roster. He is originally from Las Vegas where he was a first team, all-state quarterback.
Hooley said the victim claimed she knew Evans somewhat prior to the assault, on the night of June 17.
“The victim stated that she knew Mr. Evans but had never really hung out with him. She and one of her friends picked up Mr. Evans. They went to a smaller party at a residence in Logan. Some alcohol was consumed and then the offense occurred.”
Court records show Evans was arraigned in 1st District Court Thursday afternoon. He has been charged with rape and forcible sodomy, both first-degree felonies. He’s scheduled to appear again July 10.
Evans remains in jail on $40,000 bail. He could face up to life in prison if convicted.