Freshman charged with stealing more than $2,700 in goods
Freshman linebacker John Angelo Watley was arrested on charges of grand larceny, financial transaction card theft and second-degree burglary Sunday, according to Columbia Police Department spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons. He is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on $50,000 bond.
Watley, a Lawrenceville, Ga., native, is accused of stealing more than $2,700 in goods, including a MacBook, an iPad and money, Timmons said. Columbia Police Department officers responded to a residence on Senate Street in response to a reported burglary at 7 a.m. Sunday. When officers arrived on scene, two occupants reported seeing the suspect inside their home, Timmons said.
According to Timmons, it was reported to the police department that the occupants were asleep at the time and woke up to find the suspect inside. The officers arrested Watley on site and recovered the stolen items, Timmons said.
By athletics policy, Watley is suspended from all team activities. Watley’s arrest marks the third reported athletics arrest in the Spring semester. Defensive tackle Byron Jerideau and shortstop Tanner Lovick were arrested in January.