BY JACQUELYN NIXON
Daily Staff Reporter
Published October 31, 2001
A University student could face charges for third-degree criminal sexual conduct after an 18-year-old female student reported that she was sexually assaulted at an unregistered Beta Theta Pi fraternity party last Thursday.
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The suspect, whose name could not be released, was not arrested or held by Ann Arbor Police Department officials. He interviewed with police earlier this week and the case is being sent to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor"s office for review.
AAPD Sgt. Michael Logghe said it is unknown when officials will know what charges he will be facing.
"It could be two days or two months," Logghe said.
Third-degree criminal sexual conduct involves some form of sexual penetration and is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Police would not confirm if the man suspected of the crime is a member of Beta Theta Pi. He was described as a black male between the ages of 18 and 20.
The woman alleged that someone put something in her drink and she passed out in a bedroom of the house at 604 S. State St. After she awoke to find herself naked, she took herself to University Hospitals and reported the incident to police.
AAPD is conducting an investigation to determine whether the victim"s drink was drugged.
Although the fraternity is not alcohol-free, Beta Theta Pi could face consequences for holding an unauthorized event with alcohol.
Mike Kokkinen, director of risk management for the fraternity"s national organization, said there have not been any problems with the University of Michigan chapter in recent years.
Kokkinen said Beta Theta Pi executives are working with the local chapter, Ann Arbor police and University officials to make sure the investigation is thorough and the situation is resolved.
"Action will not be taken until the investigation is complete," Kokkinen said.
The national organization and the Office of Greek Life will evaluate the chapter"s situation when a formal report is produced.
"We"re not going to comment on the incident right now," said Mary Beth Seiler, the University"s director of Greek Life. "We need to let the investigation take place."
