STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Two former football players from Penn State, Kaveion Allen Keys and Jameial James Lyons, both aged 19, are currently out on bond as they prepare for their upcoming legal proceedings related to serious felony rape charges.
The charges stem from an alleged incident involving a 17-year-old student from Penn State that occurred at the players’ apartment on campus in early July. According to the documentation filed in court, another student who was present that night reported waking up to find her pants removed and claimed that Lyons “digitally penetrated” her without consent.
Following practice on Wednesday, Penn State’s head coach James Franklin opted not to comment on the ongoing situation concerning the allegations against both players.
During the summer, both Keys and Lyons were put on interim suspension due to what university officials referred to as a “personal matter.” By early August, they had each been removed from the team’s roster; however, Franklin has yet to provide specific details about their current status within the program.
In a recent arraignment held by District Judge Don Hahn, Keys’ bail was set at $400,000 while Lyons’ was established at $500,000. Neither player is obligated to pay bail unless they breach the conditions set by the court. Their subsequent hearing is slated for Wednesday.
The allegations detail that Keys denied any knowledge of the victim and refuted engaging in any sexual acts with the women present at the apartment that evening. On the other hand, Lyons admitted to having sexual relations with the victim and stated he had Keys’ cell phone in his possession during the incident, although he denied recording any video of the encounter. He contended that the interaction was consensual but expressed his belief that the victim might report the event to law enforcement, according to the documents.
Investigators examined the cell phones belonging to both suspects and discovered a brief video depicting “indecent contact” with the victim on Keys’ device. Additionally, a witness identified in reports as Witness 1 was present in the apartment during the incident.
Keys faces a series of charges which include first-degree felony forcible rape, second-degree felony sexual assault, second-degree felony aggravated assault without consent, as well as second-degree misdemeanor indecent assault without consent. Lyons is charged with similar offenses, including first-degree felony forcible rape, second-degree felony voluntary deviate sexual intercourse, second-degree felony aggravated assault without consent, second-degree misdemeanor indecent assault without consent, and second-degree misdemeanor invasion of privacy.