Former Alabama walk-on Antonio Ross’ alleged sodomy victim was younger than 16, records state

Former Alabama walk-on Antonio Ross’ alleged sodomy victim was younger than 16, records state

New details have been released in the sexual assault charge against a former Alabama football player.

Antonio Ross, 19, was arrested earlier this week following a Calhoun County grand jury indictment on a charge of second-degree sodomy. He was a walk-on player but is no longer with the team.

The indictment was issued in August and made public Thursday. It states that Ross engaged in sodomy with the teen victim who was over the age of 12 but under the age of 16.

The alleged incidents happened between Feb. 1, 2023, and Feb. 28, 2023. No additional details were released.

The charge is a felony crime.

Ross was arrested at a home in Weaver on Monday. He was booked into the Calhoun County Jail and released a short time later on $50,000 bond.

Weaver police Lt. Andy Hunter said the case was originally reported to and investigated by Anniston Police Department “who did an outstanding job gathering information and conducting interviews before it was discovered the alleged crime took place in the jurisdiction of Weaver.”

Hunter said the victim was interviewed at the Calhoun County Children’s Advocacy Center.

“This case highlights the need for these centers and funding for child advocacy workers who are specifically trained to interview children in a safe and comfortable space,’’ Hunter said. “The investigation led to a decision to forward the case to a Calhoun County Grand Jury, which took place during the week of August 28th, 2023.”

Ross was a preferred walk-on from Alexandria High, meaning he wasn’t a scholarship athlete but practiced and trained with the program.

The University of Alabama released a statement: “Tonio Ross is no longer part of the program and has been removed from campus.”

Ross will be arraigned on the charge on Oct. 12. Court records do not list an attorney to comment on his behalf.