Police: Suspect may have recorded alleged sexual assault

The suspect in the alleged sexual assault on Sunday in 1939 Hall may have electronically recorded the incident, the Borough police confirmed on Tuesday. Both the alleged suspect and victim are University students. The police are consulting with the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office about whether to file charges in the case.

Borough Police Captain Nicholas Sutter said the department is currently investigating the possibility that the encounter, which took place during Lawnparties, was recorded.

“We’re investigating that allegation,” Sutter said. “We don’t have evidence to prove that allegation.”

Sutter said there is no evidence to suggest that the accused distributed the recording or that the recording has been publicly viewed.

The accused is 20 years old and the victim is 19 years old, Sutter said, though he could not confirm the students’ class years. Sutter also could not confirm whether the students involved were male or female. Sutter would not release the name of the suspect.

The two students were acquainted at the time of the alleged assault, according to a police press release.

Casey DeBlasio, spokeswoman for the Prosecutor's Office, said she approved the press release but declined to comment further.

The University is also conducting its own independent investigation into the incident, according to University Spokesperson Martin Mbugua.

“It is that investigation that determines next steps,” Mbugua said, referring to any possible action the University may take against the accused. “We cannot speculate because this is an ongoing process.”

The incident was first reported to the Department of Public Safety on Sunday afternoon. According to ‘Prince’ reporters on the scene, multiple police cars were parked outside the dorm that night, and officers spent at least 12 consecutive hours stationed outside the dorm.

At least one officer spent the night waiting outside one specific room in 1939 Hall.