Two Syracuse University football recruits from South Jersey, quarterback Charlie Foulke IV and cornerback Masiia Acrey, have been charged in connection with an April 12 assault in Center City Philadelphia that left two people hospitalized, according to court records. Police say both face multiple assault-related counts, and a third person has also been charged in the case.
Charges and arrests
Court records list counts against both players that include aggravated assault, conspiracy, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and harassment. Foulke faces an additional criminal mischief charge, according to Daily Voice. He was arrested on May 26 and released on unsecured bail, with his preliminary hearing continued to July 10 before Judge Joffie C. Pittman III. Acrey was taken into custody in early June, released on $50,000 unsecured bail, and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 22 before Judge Wendy L. Pew.
What police say about the attack
Philadelphia police say the incident unfolded around 2:25 a.m. on April 12 near 2nd and Market Streets, where a couple was waiting for a rideshare. Investigators allege three men approached, pinned the male victim, and repeatedly struck him, while the female victim was thrown to the ground when she tried to step in. Both victims were taken to Jefferson Hospital for treatment and later required follow-up care. Surveillance footage helped identify the suspects, and Delaware Valley News details the timeline and scene description cited by police.
Recruiting fallout and Syracuse's response
Both players had recently been part of Syracuse's 2027 recruiting class. Charlie Foulke announced his verbal commitment on X on April 11, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Masiia Acrey publicly pledged to Syracuse on May 10, per Sports Illustrated's On SI, after starring at St. Joseph's Prep. Sports coverage notes that Syracuse officials have discussed the matter with the recruits and, for now, still list them as part of the class, a status that can change since verbal commitments are not binding, according to reporting by Roundtable.
Legal timeline and what to expect
With preliminary hearings now on the calendar, the cases will proceed through Philadelphia Municipal Court, where prosecutors may decide whether to take them to trial or seek plea agreements. The legal process could stretch over several months while school officials watch closely. Court records show Acrey's next court date is June 22 and Foulke's preliminary hearing is set for July 10. Both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty, according to Daily Voice.
