Star-Journbal Editor
Former Tabor College first team All-America running back Roger James Butler, Jr., along with Jordan Dupree Monroe, a current member of the football team, are facing felony charges in Harvey County District Court for an alleged armed robbery attempt Nov. 9 at a Newton convenience store.
A 9 mm handgun, a ski mask, and gloves were found in a pickup in which the two suspects were riding, according to a spokesman at the Newton Police Department.
Butler's address on the complaint is 202 S. Birch Street. Monroe's address is Bastrop, Texas.
Butler was a 2005 KCAC Player of the Year and is listed in the NAIA's record books for scoring 32 touchdowns while at Tabor College, tying the national record for most touchdowns scored in a single season.
Butler was coached at Tabor by Mike Gardner, who left after the 2005 season to become head coach at Malone College in Canton, Ohio.
In a phone interview Tuesday, Gardner said he was saddened by the report of Butler's arrest and about problems with his former team.
Gardner remembered Butler as an athlete who wanted an opportunity to play and continue going to college.
"He didn't give me any problems at all," Gardner said. "We had team rules when I was there and the issues I had were minor."
Monroe is a red-shirt freshman quarterback at Tabor College.
He was a "really solid quarterback" on his hometown football team, according to Mark Goodson, sports editor of the Bastrop Advertiser.
"It's shocking (the arrest)," said Goodson. "He came across as a real good kid, but it's a long way from home, too."
A hearing will be held Feb. 6 in Harvey County District Court for both men.
In Kansas, attempted aggravated robbery is a level 5 felony punishable by 31-136 months in prison and a fine of not more than $100,000.
