Timely Warning Notice alerts students of sexual assault report

Utah State University issued an email alert Thursday afternoon to tell students a sexual assault had been reported near campus in one of the fraternity houses.

The notice, sent out at 1:42 p.m., stated the report had come from a third party. According to the notice,  the assault had taken place on Saturday, Aug. 31, although the suspect is unknown. The report also stated, “Drugs may have been used to facilitate the crime.” No further details were provided.

Director of Crisis Communications and Issues Management Amanda DeRito said because the report had come from a third party, the university “does not have a lot of information at this time.” 

“None of the fraternity houses fall within the USU Police Department’s jurisdiction, and USU cannot speak for local law enforcement,” DeRito said. “We will be following all of our procedures to look into the incident.”

DeRito said these alerts are sent out so the university can be “as transparent as possible,” in part to comply with the Clery Act, which requires universities to disclose information about campus crimes.

“We send timely warning notices to educate our community about personal safety and being an active bystander when an individual notices inappropriate or harmful behavior,” DeRito said.

The notice told students to contact USU Police by phone or in person if they have any information about the crime.

–naomiyokoward@aggiemail.usu.edu

@naomiyokoward