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A Utah State starting linebacker has been charged with aggravated assault (a second-degree felony) and two counts of class-B misdemeanor assault, according to court documents.
Monte "Junior" Keiaho has been dismissed from the Aggies, according to a news release Wednesday from the school. Records show Keiaho was charged Oct. 27, and he was issued a summons to appear in court Wednesday.
The felony charge, stemming from an incident that occurred Sept. 19, carries a possible sentence of 1-to-15 years in prison.
"I feel that it is in the best interest of this program and for Junior Keiaho that he no longer be a part of this team," Utah State head coach Gary Andersen said in a statement. "We wish him the best in the future and we are fully supportive of him in his life outside of football."
According to North Park Police Department Sgt. John Italasano, a second USU football player may have also been involved, although Italasano declined to provide a name. There is also a third suspect detectives are looking for, Italasano said.
The assault, according to Italasano, happened in North Logan, hours after the Aggies' loss to Fresno State.
"I think they were just out looking for a fight," Italasano said. "He described the victims as three college-age kids who "were just out at the wrong place at the wrong time."
One of the victims suffered two broken cheek bones and a broken eye socket. Another suffered a puncture in his ear about the diameter of a pencil, Italasano said.
This has been a difficult season for Keiaho. His year started well with an interception and a sack against Oklahoma, but he injured his knee against the Sooners and has since struggled to regain his form. He also was previously suspended for a game by Andersen for violating team rules.
Keiaho has started at linebacker, defensive end and even defensive tackle through his career. In eight games this season, he's recorded 20 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and three pass break-ups.
Keiaho becomes the second USU starting linebacker to be lost for the season. Matt Ah You injured a shoulder during training camp and has missed the entire year.
tjones@sltrib.comTwitter: @tonyaggieville