Two ISU students, former football players, were indicted Jan. 17 on charges of 2nd degree sexual abuse.

A Story County grand jury decided there was enough evidence against Royce Hooks, senior in exercise and sport science, and Brent Nash, junior in exercise and sport science, to pursue a criminal trial, according to court documents.

Hooks and Nash have been accused of committing sexual abuse against Ashley Howard Jan. 26, 2002. Howard, freshman in anthropology, has previously given the Daily the right to release her name in association with this case. She is the sister of former football players Marcel Howard and Aaron Howard.

According to staff reports, in a complaint filed with the Ames Police Department Howard said she was sexually assaulted when she went into a room to get her coat as she was leaving a party last year.

Hooks and Nash were suspended from the ISU football team last February following their arrests, according to staff reports. Nash, a former linebacker, played in five games last season. Hooks, also a former linebacker, played in three.

According to court documents, Hooks is being represented by defense attorney John Martens. Nash is being represented by defense attorney Joseph Cahill.

The arraignment for both men is scheduled for Jan. 27, at 1 p.m. in the Story County Courthouse in Nevada.

Sexual abuse in the second degree is a class B felony. According to the Iowa Code, Hooks and Nash could face up to 25 years in jail if found guilty.