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USC's Osa Masina under criminal investigation in 2 states

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USC linebacker Osa Masina is in the crosshairs of the law.

Masina, a sophomore out of Salt Lake City, is being investigated by police in both California and Utah for separate incidents, according to Kyle Bonagura of ESPN.

"We have an active investigation on Osa Masina," Sgt. Dan Bartlett of the Cottonwood Heights Police Department in Utah said. "We are working with (the Los Angeles Police Department), who also has an active investigation."

The Cottonwood Heights PD said Masina could face charges for rape, forcible sodomy, fondling, and "exploitation by telecom" in the alleged Utah incident, according to Ashton Edwards of Fox 13 Salt Lake City.

Masina was served a search warrant on campus last week, Bartlett confirmed, but didn't provide further details of the investigations. Bartlett indicated the alleged incident involving the LAPD occurred prior to the one in Utah.

"USC is aware of the investigation involving student-athlete Osa Masina," the school said in a statement. "USC is cooperating fully with authorities in Utah, the lead agency in the investigation. Due to privacy laws and to protect the rights of our students, we are not able to discuss this matter further."

Masina appeared in 12 games last year and recorded 25 tackles. He is listed at No. 2 on USC's depth chart heading into this season. However, the athletic department announced Monday that he won't travel with the team for Saturday's game against Alabama due to a violation of team rules.

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