UC cornerback accused of participating in armed robbery for marijuana

A member of the University of Cincinnati football team is set to face a judge Thursday morning on an aggravated robbery charge, Hamilton County court records show.

Alex Thomas, 20, a junior cornerback for the Bearcats, is accused of participating in an armed robbery to steal a man's marijuana, an affidavit states.

Thomas and another man, Julien Holton, 23, were arrested at Cincinnati Police District 4 station in Avondale just after 5 p.m. Wednesday, booked into the Hamilton County jail and held overnight without bond, records show.

According to Cincinnati police, the incident occurred at 2:13 p.m. Wednesday on the third floor of an apartment building in the 100 block of East Corry Street.

The building is listed in court paperwork as Thomas' residence.

Thomas and Holton "chased" the victim down the hallway, police wrote in a criminal complaint filed in Hamilton County Municipal Court.

"Julien Holton had a firearm in his left hand and approached the victim. As the victim ran away he was pushed to the ground and his keys were taken," police wrote in a sworn affidavit. 

"Alexander Thomas and Co-Def Julien Holton were identified by security video with Julien Holton holding the firearm."

The victim ran away and called police, the criminal complaint states.

Thomas "admitted to being there and part of the offense," police wrote.

"Alexander Thomas was arrested and, after Miranda Rights were read, he admitted to being at the location of the offense and going with Julien Holton to find victim .... He said his part was to knock on the victim's door in order for him to come out," the affidavit states.

"This offense is based on officer investigation, a video recording of the incident, and victims statement, and Julien Holton's admission."

Thomas has been suspended indefinitely, according to a statement from the athletics department.

School officials said his status "will be addressed following the resolution of the legal process."

UC will not comment further on the matter, according to the statement. 

Thomas started 10 games last season with four interceptions.

Enquirermedia partner Fox19 provided this report.