Former Illinois star football player accused of sexually assaulting his 12-year old foster child

Tailon Leitzsey was a very solid football player at Illinois who was a semifinalist for the 2022 Man of the Year Award. The former defensive back was a beloved player and had an amazing story, the young man walked on to the team, and became a star for the Fighting Illini.

Leitzsey was nominated for the Wuerffel Award, which goes to “college football’s most impactful leaders in community service,” and was one of 20 semifinalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year.

He hosted free football camps for local youth and is now facing some really horrible accusations and allegations.

Assistant State’s Attorney said Leitzsey became the foster parent of a 12-year-old girl in January 2023, and allegedly sexually assaulted the girl multiple times between August and September, when she was 13. Leitzsey was arraigned this week on 2 counts of criminal sexual assault of a minor between the ages of 13 and 17.

The charges against Leitzsey stem from allegations that he sexually assaulted his 12-year-old foster child multiple times between August and September 2023 while she was in his care.

The judge ruled that Leitzsey may await his trial outside of jail on the conditions that he have no contact with the minor, have no contact with any unsupervised minor not related by blood and comply with supervision from the Office of Pretrial Services.

Leitzey faces four to 15 years in prison on each of the criminal sexual assault charges. He is next scheduled to appear in court in March.