Mike Brown, a junior defensive back for Virginia's football team, has been removed from team activities pending resolution of criminal charges.

The University of Virginia said in a news release Monday that Brown was charged with grand larceny in connection with a Feb. 6 report of the theft of four items valued at $3,400 from a vehicle in the Central Grounds Parking Garage at UVa.

Brown, arrested Friday in Charlottesville, also was charged with possession of stolen property with intent to sell, altering serial numbers and possession of marijuana. He has been released on a secured bond.

"We take allegations of this nature very seriously," said coach Al Groh, who is observing spring practice at Brigham Young but issued a statement through UVa's sports information office.

"At this time we are currently gathering the facts. In view of the nature of the allegation, Mike Brown is not participating with the program at this time."

Spring drills start March 21.

Brown, a two-year letterman for the Cavaliers, suffered a torn ACL during the summer and missed the 2007 season.

He was a SuperPrep All-American at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City, N.J., who was nominated for All-ACC in 2006 as a return specialist.

Brown previously was arrested in March 2006, when he pleaded guilty to a charge of misdemeanor trespassing in connection with a fight.

-- Doug Doughty