Former EP Football Star Charged With Robbery Claims Innocence

EL PASO, TX – The attorney ofa former Andressstar football player charged with aggravated robbery stated his client was nowhere near the criminal incident.

Last week, Andre Jones was arrested in Austin for allegedly being an accomplice of former Longhorn Robert Jones in a robbery that took place July 27th. The incident took place in an apartment complex and both men allegedly stole video games, cell phones and money. They were charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon.

Jones, who played football at Andress High School, is a freshman defensive tackle for the University of Texas. He was was one of the top recruits in the state and was considered one of the best at his position in the entire state. While at Andress, Jones was an honor roll student and graduated early before being recruited by the longhorns.

Jones attorney, Ariel Payan, tells ABC-7 his client claims he was in downtown Austin whenthe robbery took place. “Mr. Jones has given me information that leads me to believe…the people who were the victims of the crime actually made a mistake and falsely identified him as the person that was there,” said Payan, believing this to be acase of mistaken identity.

Payan said he is attempting to verify Jones’ alibi and will then approach Austin’sDistrict Attorney in an attempt to get the case dismissed. “We are trying to clear it up as quickly as possible so we can get him back on the field where he belongs,” said Payan.

Coaches at Andress said Jones was in El Pasolast Thursdaywhen theyreceived a call from Longhorn coaches informing them a warrant had been issued for his arrest. “He said he was not part of it and he was not there. When the coaches called him he was in shock. He said, ‘I have to go back to Austin and straighten this out,'” said Andress Defensive Coordinator Dusty Mietler.

“We still believe in Andre…based on his past, it is really hard to believe he would do something like that,” said Mietler.