On Sept. 22, the R/O (Reporting Officer) was dispatched to the Winthrop University Police Department in reference to a walk-in subject who wanted to report defamation of character.
Once on scene, the R/O met with subject #2 who stated that he had been hearing a lot of rumors spreading around the campus that he was a “rapist” and a “sexual predator.”
Subject #2 stated that around April of last semester, subject #1 messaged subject #2 via Snapchat, requesting that he meet up with her in DiGiorgio Student Center because she was high and was feeling anxious. Once the two individuals met up, they hung out for approximately an hour before heading back to their dorms. subject #2 then began walking subject #1 to Phelps Hall, where she resided at the time. While walking, subject #1 told subject #2 that she was not actually ready to go back to her room and that she wanted to hang out more.
At that time, subject #1 suggested that they play truth or dare, to which subject #2 agreed. Subject #2 stated that after playing for a while, subject #1 dared him to touch her breast. Initially, he declined, but she persisted that he do it. Subject #2 then obliged for a brief moment before removing his hand. The two individuals continued to play the game for a while until subject #1 dared subject #2 to “do whatever you want to me. I know you have something in mind.” Subject #2 declined the dare. After playing truth or dare, the two individuals then walked back to Phelps Hall.
Subject #2 stated that on the next day, the two individuals were eating inside of Thomson Hall. At that time, subject #1 was again high. After eating, subject #1 wanted subject #2 to walk her back to her dorm room. Subject #2 agreed but instead of going to the dorm, they continued to walk around campus. During this time, subject #1 suggested again, “you can do whatever to me.” Subject #2 stated that he declined and just didn’t want to do anything because she was engaged. At that time, subject #1 grabbed subject #2’s hand and placed it on her breast above her clothing. She also began to touch subject #2 inappropriately. Once subject #2 pulled away, subject #1 pulled away as well. Subject #2 stated that nothing else sexually transpired during that time.
After the two individuals returned to their separate rooms, subject #1 then requested nude photos from subject #2 via Snapchat. Subject #2 declined but she insisted that he send them. After rejecting subject #l’s request, subject #2 stopped communication with subject #1 completely because she was engaged to be married.
On Sept. 22, subject #2 advised that he had been constantly asked about him being a
“rapist/sexual predator” from random people around the campus. Subject #2 admitted that he and subject #1 were touching each other but nothing else occurred beyond that point. Due to these accusations, subject #2 stated he has been feeling really upset and anxious. Subject #2 also stated that the rumors are being spread on social media.
Subject #2 advised that the two have not been in communication since last semester and that he does not understand why subject #1 would spread false accusations about him and he wants it to stop.
After the interview, the R/O had subject #2 fill out a detailed statement form describing the events that occurred. The Subject also completed a Victim Notification form. The cause will remain active until further investigation.
