Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia University student has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman during a party at a fraternity house.
Sean Douglas Innerst, 19, of Morgantown posted a $50,000 bond following his arraignment Tuesday in Monongalia County Magistrate Court on a second-degree sexual assault charge, court records show.
A criminal complaint says the woman told Morgantown police that she met Innerst on Saturday at a party at the Sigma Phi Epsilon house, which is near the downtown campus. She said that she had several drinks and was intoxicated, and that she went to Innerst's bedroom.
According to the complaint, the woman said Innerst pushed her onto the bed and had sex with her without her consent. The Associated Press generally doesn't identify those who may be victims of sexual assault.
Innerst didn't immediately return a telephone message Wednesday. It wasn't clear whether he had an attorney who could be contacted for comment on the case.
University spokeswoman Becky Lofstead said that WVU officials are aware of the complaint and the police investigation, and that the Office of Greek Life has communicated with the fraternity's national headquarters.
"The University takes these matters very seriously and will, as always, provide all possible assistance and support to local law enforcement, as well as to assess the matter for further University action," Lofstead said in statement.
She said the university also will offer resources to the woman.
Sigma Phi Epsilon's national organization said in a statement Wednesday that it is aware of the allegations and is conducting its own investigation. It declined to comment further and referred additional questions to Morgantown police. The Dominion Post first reported the charges against Innerst.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
