USM football player arrested, suspended indefinitely
Southern Miss junior defensive back Ed Wilkins was arrested and charged with armed robbery today.
Wilkins, 21, appeared before City Court Judge Jerry Evans shortly after 1 p.m., where his bond was set at $75,000.
Michael Bailey, 19, was also arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery at the 200 block of Sherwood Drive in Hattiesburg. His bond also was set at $75,000.
According to the Hattiesburg Police Department incident report, officers were dispatched to the scene where they found Bailey in front of the residence. Bailey told officers he and two friends were inside the residence when Wilkins entered displaying a black handgun with a laser sight, wearing a black ski mask, demanding money and drugs, according to the report.
Bailey told officers he attempted to flee, but left his keys inside the residence. When he returned to retrieve them, the residence's occupants refused to let him back inside until police arrived, according to the report. The residents corroborated Bailey's story.
Officers then found Wilkins in the back seat of a vehicle in the front of the residence, where he was taken into custody. A sweater, a ski mask, a .40 caliber Glock handgun and money were also found in the same vehicle.
Upon questioning, Wilkins told officers that he and Bailey arrived at the residence together with the intention of committing armed robbery.
According to a statement released by the university's athletic department, Wilkins has been suspended indefinitely.
"This is a serious matter," Southern Miss coach Todd Monken said. "Ed has been removed from the program while we gather additional information."
Wilkins, a native of McDonough, Georgia, was booked into Forrest County Jail shortly after 6 a.m. today.
Wilkins started nine games for Southern Miss last season, recording 39 tackles and making one interception. He also started one game as a redshirt freshman in 2012.
Golden Eagle football players are scheduled to report for fall camp on July 31. Practice begins on Aug. 1.