Phi Delta Theta president and Garland junior Jacob Anderson was arrested and charged with sexual assault Thursday. He was released from McLennan County Jail on a $5,000 bond at 5 p.m.
Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton of the Waco Police Department told the Waco Tribune-Herald that a female was at a party in the 2600 block of South Third Street on Feb. 21. She was handed a drink and told to drink it, according to police reports. She became disoriented and was taken outside, where a man forcibly sexually assaulted her, Swanton said.
According to the arrest affidavit cited in the Waco Tribune-Herald, a man took the victim “to a secluded part of the grounds behind a tent in order to get some air, however once away from everyone else attending the party” he sexually assaulted the woman.
The woman was taken to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center for a sexual-assault exam immediately after getting away and finding a friend, according to the Waco Tribune-Herald.
The Lariat was unable to reach Swanton for comment by press time.
On Thursday night, members of several Baylor Panhellenic sororities recieved emails from Greek officials telling them not to talk directly to the media and to refer all questions to Lori Fogleman, assistant vice president for media relations and crisis communications.
The Phi Delta Theta Texas Lambda chapter at Baylor University responded to the Lariat with the following statement.
“On March 3, 2016, the Phi Delta Theta Texas Lambda chapter at Baylor University was made aware of a sexual assault allegation made against a member of the chapter. The Phi Delta Theta fraternity stands with victims of sexual assault, and does not condone or tolerate any act of sexual assault or violence against women. The chapter advisory board, national office, and current chapter members have and will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement officials. The chapter will not comment on any ongoing investigations of current members. This statement must only be reproduced in its entirety.”
Baylor has recently received much criticism over its handling of sexual assault cases. ESPN released an “Outside the Lines” report on several women who accused former Baylor football player Tevin Elliot of sexual assault and accused Baylor of not doing much to help them.
Baylor has hired Pepper Hamilton Law firm to conduct a review and provide recommendations for future action.
As previously reported by the Lariat, in an effort to combat sexual crimes, Baylor’s Title IX office has implemented a required course for first-year students and student athletes. Patty Crawford, the Title IX coordinator, said she plans to extend this training to Greek organizations. Every staff member is also required to complete an online training session.
“Ideally, our goal is that all students have access to training,” Crawford said. “So everyone is aware and they get all these resources.”
In February, the Board of Regents approved a measure to combat sexual assault on campus. Such measures include mandatory Title IX training for all upperclassmen and graduate students. Previously, Title IX training was only mandatory for incoming freshmen, transfer students, faculty and staff. Faculty and staff will also be required to attend Title IX training annually now.
Staff writer Rachel Leland contributed to this report.
