Alleged Umass Amherst Assault Suspects Arrested, Arraigned on Rape Charges
Date:
10/22/2012
Contributor:
Henry Epp
Dateline:
Amherst, MA Download Here
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Henry Epp
Umass Police Chief John Horvath
UMass Amherst police are investigating an alleged rape of an 18-year-old student by four residents of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The defendants were arrested Friday in Pittsfield and arraigned Monday on multiple counts of rape.
The attack allegedly occurred in a campus residence early Saturday, October 13th. The four defendants are not Umass students, but according to a university statement, are known to the victim. Three of the defendants are 18-years-old, the fourth is 17-years-old. The victim reported the alleged assault on Sunday, October 14th. Umass Police Chief John Horvath says his department began an immediate investigation, but determined the greater campus community was not at risk and, was not immediately alerted.
Horvath says three of the four perpetrators were signed into the victim's dorm building at 12:30 a.m., though he says the identities of those who signed the perpetrators in is still under investigation. He says residence hall security will be reviewed.
"While security measures have generally proven effective in the past, the university will conduct a comprehensive review of security in all residence halls."
Horvath says police are still investigating whether alcohol was involved in the alleged assault. Northeastern District Attorney David Sullivan commended the victim for reporting the alleged attack to campus police.
"I want to first start by thanking the survivor of this violent sexual assault for stepping forward, having the courage to come forward to the University of Mass police for assistance and for really taking that step that many victims of sexual violence cannot come forward."
UMass Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy emphasized that the university will work with the district attorney's office to bring the defendants to justice.
