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USU football player arrested on suspicion of sex abuse, burglary

USU football player Ismael “Izzy” Vaifo’ou was arrested this morning by USU Police and is under suspicion of forcible sex abuse, burglary, criminal trespass and intoxication.

The alleged crimes took place at on-campus housing, according to Amanda DeRito, USU spokesperson.

Upon learning of the arrest, USU Athletics suspended Vaifo’ou from the football team and all team activities. As of 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, he still appeared on the roster.

The Cache County Sheriff’s Office reported the booking of Vaifo’ou by USU Police at 3:40 a.m. on Sunday, April 18. No bail was set at the time of reporting.

DeRito said Vaifo’ou is no longer allowed on campus.

“When things like this happen, they don’t happen often, but when they do, our first priority is to make sure to ensure the safety of the other students on campus, and also to make sure that the victim has access to resources and has other referrals to advocacy and other things that they need,” DeRito said.

—alek.nelson@usu.edu

@nelsonalek

USU and local organizations can provide resources and support for victims of sexual abuse and similar crimes: