AUBURN AUTHORITY

Auburn's Elijah Daniel arrested for theft, burglary

James Crepea
Montgomery Advertiser
Auburn defensive end Elijah Daniel was arrested on theft and burglary charges.

AUBURN -- Elijah Daniel was among three current or former Auburn athletes arrested Wednesday evening on theft and burglary charges in connection with a series of burglaries at a campus dorm during spring break.

Daniel, 21, DeNorris James and Khalil Sellers were each charged with four counts of theft of property, in the first-degree (one charge), second-degree (one charge) and third-degree (two-charges), and four counts of burglary, in the second-degree (one charge) and third-degree (three charges), and are eligible for bonds totaling $24,000.

Two of the theft charges and all burglary charges are felonies and two of the theft charges are misdemeanors. The sentencing for Class B felonies is 2-20 years, Class C felonies are 1-10 years and Class A misdemeanors carry a punishment of up to a year in jail.

Former Auburn walk-on linebacker DeNorris James was arrested on theft and burglary charges.

Several thefts of "various electronic devices and jewelry" were reported at the South Donahue Residence Hall on March 29, according to Auburn Police. The $51 million building, which opened in July 2013, is where many of Auburn's athletes, including the football team, reside.

Auburn Police say they recovered electronics and jewelry that was previously reported stolen in the burglaries after searching several residences. It's unclear if any of the victims were fellow athletes.

Daniel, James and Sellers were arrested by the Auburn Police Department and taken to the Lee County Detention Center at 8:48 p.m., where as of 10:45 p.m. Daniel was still in custody, according to Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.

"I am aware of the situation and Elijah has been suspended indefinitely from our team," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement.

James, 23, was listed as a walk-on linebacker on Auburn's initial spring roster but the Smiths Station native is no longer listed on Auburn's online roster.

Former Auburn track and field sprinter Khalil Sellers was arrested on theft and burglary charges.

Sellers, 21, is a former track and field sprinter. The Aurora, Colorado native is no longer listed on Auburn's online roster.

Daniel was slowed by a hamstring injury early during spring practice, where he worked primarily at end, and registered two tackles with one for loss and a hurry on A-Day.

The 6-foot-2 282 pound Daniel, who gained 19 pounds since the fall, was among the defensive linemen Will Muschamp said he could count on for the fall.

"I think Elijah Daniel really, in the latter part of spring, played really well," Muschamp said last week. "He's a guy that has some flexibility."

Auburn defensive lineman Elijah Daniel was arrested on Wednesday.

Daniel had 15 tackles with 3 1/2 for loss and 17 hurries last season.

A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Daniel was a former Under Armour All-American and a consensus top-10 defensive end in the 2013 recruiting class.