U of A PD investigates sexual assault allegation at fraternity house
WARNING: This story contains disturbing details. Viewer and reader discretion is advised.
TUCSON, Ariz. (NBC, KYMA) - The University of Arizona Police Department is investigating a sexual assault allegation that reportedly happened in late August at the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity House.
The students NBC affiliate KVOA spoke with said the allegation is upsetting, but they are not surprised.
"I'm pretty disappointed that I'm not extremely surprised, especially even at U of A," said Keves Velasco, a U of A freshman.
"So it's not surprising because rape is all over the country but it's not something should be tolerated or let go just because it's not surprising," said Peyton Venturella, another U of A freshman.
According to court documents, the woman told investigators that a man who physically resembled one of the fraternity members was having sex with her. She also reported being sexually assaulted by another unidentified man.
She told investigators she did not remember being asked for or giving consent to any sexual activity.
Records said she reported the incident later that morning and had a bruise on her throat.
Court documents also detailed a phone call between the woman and one of the men allegedly involved.
According to the records, the man told her they had sex, but claimed they were the only two people involved. He also reportedly said he had been drinking and was fuzzy" about what happened.
The woman reported drinking multiple tequila drinks that night. The man also reportedly told her she had said yes to having sex.
In response, the National Sigma Phi Epsilon Organization wrote in part, "Sexual misconduct has no place in SigEp and is fundamentally incompatible with our values of virtue, diligence and brotherly love. Any member found to have violated the fraternity's standards will be subject to appropriate accountability, up to and including expulsion. Our concern is with those affected. We remain committed to supporting a safe campus community."
Freshman Lyric Brett said the U of A is supposed to be a safe space. She added that the allegation affects her feeling of safety.
"You know it just makes me especially as a woman, nervous to walk around at night, maybe go to a party that I'm not comfortable around these people and I don't really don't know what's going on behind closed doors, especially at frats," Brett expressed.
In a letter from the Dean of Students Office Wednesday, the college suspended all activities for the fraternity following allegations they provided alcohol to minors and created dangerous conditions at unregistered social events.
Sigma Phi Epsilon is already on probation through May 2027 due to hazing and other allegations, KVOA said.
