Baton Rouge, La. (Aug. 10, 2025) – LSU Tigers freshman running back J.T. Lindsey, a highly touted four-star recruit from the Class of 2025, is facing legal trouble after turning himself in to authorities on Friday. Lindsey, 18, was arrested on two counts of accessory-after-the-fact to second-degree murder in connection to allegations that he allowed two men wanted for murder to stay in his LSU dorm.
According to the Alexandria Police Department, the two suspects — Shemell Jacobs, 17, and Keldrick Jordan, 18 — were wanted for armed robbery and second-degree murder charges stemming from the killing of a 17-year-old in May. The U.S. Marshals Service apprehended both men on Monday inside LSU student housing.
Court documents indicate that Jacobs had access to Lindsey’s dorm through the running back’s school ID and PIN number. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Lindsey and the suspects together as far back as July 24, according to WAFB-TV.
Lindsey’s attorney, Kris Perret, released a statement insisting his client had no knowledge of the suspects’ alleged crimes.
“My client, J.T. Lindsey, has been arrested on allegations of ‘accessory after the fact’ for allowing two individuals, ages 17 and 18, who unbeknownst to him, were wanted in Alexandria, to stay at his LSU apartment for a couple of nights beginning on or around July 24,” Perret said.
“There are no allegations that J.T. Lindsey was in any way involved in, or connected to, the alleged crimes. He was unaware that the individuals were accused of any crimes or wanted by police. Had he known, he would not have allowed them into his apartment or associated with them in any manner.”
Perret added that Lindsey is fully cooperating with authorities and expressed relief that the suspects were taken into custody without incident.
Lindsey was booked Friday and released later that day on a $5,000 bond. LSU confirmed it is aware of the arrest but declined to comment further, citing the ongoing legal process. Perret stated that Lindsey has been suspended from team activities in the meantime.
The freshman running back, born in Alexandria, Louisiana, was one of LSU’s prized additions in this year’s recruiting class. Ranked as a four-star prospect, Lindsey was expected to compete for carries in the Tigers’ backfield alongside fellow top recruit Marcus Hall. His arrival was seen as a boost to LSU’s rushing attack, which struggled with depth last season.
The allegations have cast an unexpected shadow over the start of Lindsey’s college career. While no charges suggest he was involved in the May homicide or the alleged robbery, the case raises questions about judgment and associations off the field.
The Tigers are currently in the midst of fall camp, preparing for their season opener next month. Head coach Brian Kelly has not addressed the matter publicly, and it remains unclear how Lindsey’s situation will impact the team’s depth chart moving forward.
As the legal process unfolds, Lindsey’s immediate future — both on and off the field — hangs in the balance. The running back’s camp maintains his innocence, insisting his only mistake was extending hospitality to acquaintances he believed posed no danger.
For now, LSU’s focus remains on football preparations, while Lindsey’s name shifts from preseason roster discussions to court documents. His case serves as a stark reminder that for young athletes, decisions off the field can carry as much weight as performance on it.
