University police investigate assault allegation
Randy Christopherson, director of Public Safety, confirmed to local reporters Tuesday (Oct. 19) that investigators from his department are looking into allegations of sexual assault made by a female UW-Green Bay student regarding an incident she says took place in the early morning hours Sunday, Oct. 10. Christopherson said the allegations involve two men, also UW-Green Bay students, and that the alleged incident occurred at a student residence on campus. He declined to release names of those involved or any additional details, citing the confidential nature of the active investigation. Both TV-2 and TV-11 reported Tuesday evening that both men are members of the Green Bay men’s soccer team. Intercollegiate Athletics confirmed the two have been suspended indefinitely, pending more information and results of the investigation, and the two did not travel with the team for Saturday’s game at UIC.
Christopherson affirmed that his investigators would complete a comprehensive and independent criminal investigation and forward a report — regardless of whether that report recommends criminal charges — to the Brown County District Attorney’s Office for its review. Christopherson said he could not speculate on a timetable for filing that report.
Additionally, a parallel review of the matter is being conducted by the UW-Green Bay Dean of Students Office. Dean of Students Brenda Amenson-Hill emphasized to reporters that this review is wholly separate and independent from the Public Safety investigation. The University is following its own policies and procedures to determine whether sanctions up to and including academic suspension or expulsion are warranted. Regardless of whether police investigators recommend criminal charges in the matter, the Dean of Students Office is authorized under state and UW System statutes to pursue misconduct proceedings if it can be established that student actions are in conflict with health or safety concerns, are disruptive, or are in conflict with the University’s educational mission.
In addressing the campus community, Police Chief Christopherson asks members of the University and larger community for their patience. The seriousness of the charges warrant a meticulous and thorough examination of all possible evidence, he said, and he will share additional updates on the case where appropriate as the investigation proceeds.
