By Diane Smith
Record-Courier staff writer
A Kent State University football player pleaded not guilty Monday to a charge of aggravated burglary.
Brian Lainhart, 20, of 1953 Mohawk Place, Kent, entered his plea before Judge John Enlow in Portage County Common Pleas Court in Ravenna. Enlow continued Lainhart's bond of 10 percent of $75,000, which was posted previously, and set a pretrial hearing for May 30 and a trial to begin June 3.
Lainhart and teammate Cabroni D. Mixon, 20, of 1953 Mohawk Place, Kent, have been charged with one count each of aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony, according to court records.
A third man, Christen L. Haywood, 20, of Columbus, also is facing the same charge and was arrested March 10. Portage County Prosecutor Victor Vigluicci said Haywood is free on 10 percent of a $10,000 bond. He is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on April 25 and a trial on April 29.
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 previously that 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, which had been locked to prevent the men from coming in.
KSU Athletic Director Laing Kennedy said previously that the players were suspended at the time of the incident, and the case is being reviewed to see if 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.
Tina M. Lainhart posted bond for Lainhart and Mixon, set at 10 percent of $75,000, according to court records.
Mixon's arraignment is set for March 31.