USC recruit Simmons arraigned

Maurice Simmons, a linebacker who signed a letter of intent with USC, was arraigned Friday in Compton Superior Court and charged with felony robbery and assault with a firearm in connection with an incident that allegedly took place this week.

Simmons, an 18-year-old senior at Compton Dominguez High, and codefendant Lamont Lee Hall, 19, both pleaded not guilty before Judge Judith Meyer, said Sandi Gibbons, spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office. Meyer ordered bail of $85,000 for Simmons and $215,000 for Hall, who was convicted of burglary in Torrance in 2007. March 26 was scheduled as the date on which a preliminary hearing date will be set. Simmons also faces a misdemeanor charge of permitting a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

Simmons and Hall were arrested Wednesday night after they allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint on a Compton street.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies arrested the two men after they stopped a car being driven by Simmons and found a handgun and the alleged belongings of the alleged victim, sheriff’s officials said.

USC Coach Pete Carroll said Thursday night that he was aware of “reports” of Simmons’ arrest and that he was attempting to gather more information. He declined to comment further.

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-- Gary Klein