News Taffy

The Arkansas State Police Department and the Arkansas State University Police Department (UPD) have turned over files regarding an alleged sexual assault on ASU-Jonesboro campus Feb. 27, 2010, according to a statement issued by both organizations, to Prosecuting Attorney Mike Walden of the Second Judicial District.

This district includes Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Greene, Mississippi and Poinsett counties. The files contain witness interview transcripts, physical evidence obtained voluntarily and through multiple search warrants, medical records, photographs, Arkansas State Crime Laboratory results, telephone and text message records and other materials. "We appreciate all of the hard work and cooperation between the university police department and the Arkansas State Police in their combined investigation of this case," said Dr. Rick Stripling, vice chancellor of Student Affairs.

He also expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by other law enforcement agencies and organizations outside of ASU that have aided in the investigation. On Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, ASU police department officers responded to a call from St. Bernards Medical Center in reference to a victim of a possible sexual assault on the ASUJ campus. In compliance with Clery Act requirements, the ASU police department issued notice of the incident to the campus community.

ASU police department officers followed established procedures for interviewing the victim, collecting evidence through hospital administered examinations and obtaining release of hospital medical records. During the course of the investigation, more than 60 individuals were interviewed in connection with the alleged assault.

ASU police department personnel traveled to various locations in and around the Jonesboro area to conduct interviews and to collect physical and photographic evidence. UPD also contacted agencies outside the state of Arkansas for assistance in conducting interviews.

ASU enlisted the aid of five law enforcement agencies, including the Arkansas State Police Department, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the Jonesboro police Department. Evidence was provided to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory (ASCL) on March 1. The final report from ASCL was received May 19.

Because the case is still an ongoing investigation, personnel from both police departments may not comment on specific evidence.