The preliminary hearing for Tyler Singleton, a former Claremont High School football star arrested for alleged date rape, has been set for September 5, according to Claremont Police. The hearing begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Pomona Valley Superior Court, Department F.

Mr. Singleton was arrested in late April on 2 counts of suspected date rape relating to an occurrence reported in September 2011. An 18-year-old female came forward accusing Mr. Singleton of sexually assaulting her. Preliminary investigation, including evidentiary items and a sexual assault kit, identified Mr. Singleton’s DNA. However, he denies the sexual assault charges, according to Claremont Detective James Hughes.  

“He acknowledged knowing the victim, but denied the sex assault or any kind of sexual experience with her,” Det. Hughes said.

Mr. Singleton is currently on probation for a previous statutory rape offense that had him sentenced to 180 days in jail in 2010. He had pleaded no contest to those charges.

The Pomona resident first made news in Claremont as the former starting running back for the CHS football team. Transferring to CHS midway through his freshman year, Mr. Singleton became the leading rusher in the Baseline League during the 2008-09 season and was named twice to the All-Baseline League.

Mr. Singleton is being held without bail.

—Beth Hartnett

news@Claremont-courier.com