Wichita State University reports two sexual assault arrests in matter of weeks

Wichita State University reports two sexual assault arrests in matter of weeks Students James Douglas Vandenberg, 19, and Aaron Andrew Christian, 18, were taken into custody by campus police on rape charges less than two weeks apart - Bookmark Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A freshman at Wichita State University in Kansas was arrested on a rape charge last weekend, marking the second arrest of a student for an alleged campus sex crime in less than two weeks, university police said. James Douglas Vandenberg, a 19-year-old studying business, was arrested at a university dorm hall at 3:27 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, as reported by KWCH and The Sunflower, the university’s student newspaper. He was booked on one count of rape, and was seen smiling in his booking photo at the Sedgwick County Jail. Vandenberg was arrested by campus police and was released Sunday after posting a $100,000 surety bond, a spokesman for the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital. WSU Director of Communications Lainie Mazzullo-Hart confirmed the sexual assault report and arrest in an email to People. “Out of respect for privacy, and because the case remains under investigation,” Mazzullo-Hart wrote, “WSU does not tolerate violence of any kind. WSU is committed to taking all reasonable steps necessary to avoid,prevent and deter acts of violence on campus, and to be prepared to respond to reports of criminal activity that may occur on campus.” Mazzullo-Hart added: “Wichita State’s Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance provides support to the campus community through training and education, and Sexual Assault Psychological training is required for all students, faculty and staff.” Vandenberg’s arrest follows a separate incident on October 12, when 18-year-old student Aaron Andrew Christian was arrested at 9:56 a.m. on charges of rape and aggravated domestic battery, as reported by KWCH, The Sunflower and KAKE. Christian was released the following day on a $100,000 surety bond and is no longer held at the Sedgwick County Jail. Following Christian’s arrest, Mazzullo-Hart said in a statement: “The university takes all reports of sexual assault seriously. Sexual violence has no place in any campus community, and we are committed to following all applicable laws, reporting, investigative and student-support processes.” Prior to October, the most recent sexual assault report on campus occurred on February 28 at The Flats apartment complex, according to campus police logs. Additionally, a 20-year-old man was arrested on February 18 in connection with a sexual battery allegation at Shocker Studios, the facility housing the school of digital arts. Specific details regarding the circumstances behind the two October arrests have not been released, and investigations by WSU police are ongoing. It is not publicly known whether Vandenberg or Christian have retained defense counsel. University officials noted that students can reach out to the school’s counseling and psychological services for support. For those affected by rape and sexual abuse, if you are in the United States, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673). In the U.K., Rape Crisis offers support. You can call them on 0808 500 2222 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk.