Former Tide Walk-On, Councilman's Son Accused Of Sexual Assault

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Patch has confirmed that a former University of Alabama football walk-on and son of a Tuscaloosa city councilman is the focus of an ongoing sexual assault investigation.

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Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the multi-agency Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, told Patch on Monday that Joshua Rhamone Lanier, 23, was arrested on Thursday, Jan. 20 and charged with first degree sexual abuse and first degree sodomy — both felonies.

He said Lanier was processed in to the Tuscaloosa County Jail and posted bond shortly thereafter.

Kennedy went on to say the investigation is ongoing and no other details would be released at this time, so as to protect the privacy of the victim.

A graduate of Tuscaloosa Academy, Lanier started his college football career as a wide receiver at North Alabama, where he played in seven games in 2016, catching two passes for 12 yards.

Lanier would then transfer to the University of Alabama in his hometown of Tuscaloosa. After not seeing any playing time his junior year, Lanier did contribute on special teams in seven games during his redshirt senior season with the Tide.

To finish out his final year of college eligibility this last season, Lanier transferred to Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. During his "super senior" year for Deion Sanders and the Tigers, Lanier had 37 catches for 318 yards and four touchdowns. He would also receive Offensive MVP for the American Team in the SPIRAL Tropical Bowl after recording a 75-yard touchdown reception during the showcase game this year in Orlando.

Additionally, Lanier is the son of businessman and first-term Tuscaloosa City Councilman Cassius Lanier, who represents District 7.

Patch has reached out to Cassius Lanier to offer the opportunity for comment and will update this story if a response is received.

Patch has also been in contact with Tuscaloosa City Hall officials, who have confirmed that the city is not involved in any part of the investigation, so as to avoid any perceived conflicts of interests. This is standard protocol for the city with respect to matters involving personnel.

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