By Marci Piltz
Record-Courier staff writer
Two Kent State University football players were arrested Friday on charges of felony burglary, and a third former player is wanted on a warrant on the same charge.
Cabroni D. Mixon, 20, of 1953 Mohawk Place, Kent, and Brian Lainhart, 20, of the same address, were arraigned Monday in Portage County Municipal Court in Ravenna via video from the Portage County jail. Each is charged with one count of aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony, according to court records. Both were arrested Friday by Brimfield police on the warrants.
A third man, Christen L. Haywood, 20, of 103 Lake Hall, KSU, also is facing the same charge but has not yet been arrested. Portage County Prosecutor Victor Vigluicci said a warrant has been issued for Haywood's arrest.
According to the complaints, filed by the Brimfield Police Department, the charges stem from an incident that occurred Oct. 28 in the 4800 block of Sunnybrook Road. The three are accused of entering a home by force and causing multiple injuries to two other men.
Brimfield Police Chief David Blough said there was a party attended by football players and others at the Sunnybrook Road address. An altercation occurred when a female friend of one of the players was slapped and hit.
The suspects allegedly kicked in the front door of the residence, as well as the pedestrian door from the garage to the house.
"The people inside had locked the doors to try to prevent these people from coming in," Blough said.
Vigluicci said the charges stem from a lengthy investigation by the Brimfield police.
He would not comment on specifics of the case due to its pending nature, but a statement was issued by Kent State Athletic Director Laing Kennedy on Monday about the charges.
"At the time of the incident last fall, the players involved were disciplined per athletic guidelines and were suspended," Kennedy said. "Now we are reviewing the current situation to determine if any further action is warranted.
Haywood was removed from the team the week of the incident. He then transferred to Eastern Kentucky University.
Lainhart is the team's starting safety, and missed the Flashes' game following the incident because of his punishment. Mixon transferred to KSU prior to the start of the 2007 season. In 2006, he was a red shirt freshman at The University of Michigan. According to the Web site www.rivals.com, Mixon was a 4-star prospect and the No. 8 inside linebacker nationally in his recruiting class.
On Monday, bond was set at 10 percent of $75,000 for each. Both had bond posted by Tina M. Lainhart, according to court records.
Preliminary hearings on the charges have been set for 9:30 a.m. Friday in Portage County Municipal Court in Kent.