High school football star has first court appearance in armed robbery

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- One of the most sought-after high school football players in the nation was in a Philadelphia courtroom Thursday, facing armed robbery charges stemming from a case last summer.

Police said Isheem Young, 18, robbed a South Philadephia Wawa where his brother, Quasir Wingate, 21, was assistant manager back in July.

Prosecutors said the pair hatched a scheme in which Wingate, acting as a victim at gunpoint, opened the store's safe.

"They're alleged to be involved in a conspiracy to commit robbery," said Assistant District Attorney Matthew Gehrke. "All the evidence points to it being an inside job."

Back in his days leading Imhotep Charter School to the state title, Young received as many 30 scholarship offers from the nation's top football powerhouses.

It looked like he was headed to Penn State, with a signing date that was scheduled just before Christmas. But now he's accused of being a felon along with his brother.

"He's innocent until proven guilty," said Richard Klineburger, Young's lawyer. "He has been furthering his studies. He has still been working out. He's looking forward to finishing his career as well as his education."

Wingate's lawyer, William Cincaglini, said his client was not involved and should be considered a victim.

"Quasir was the one who was working," Cincaglini said. "He is the one who was robbed. That is not a crime."

Young and his brother are due back in court later this month to formally enter pleas.

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