4 sex assault reports at Kutztown University

KUTZTOWN, Pa. - April 12, 2011

The attacks came to light a few days ago when one woman came forward to report the assault. That apparently emboldened three other women to report attacks.

Two of those women say they were raped.

Police say everyone involved in these cases is a Kutztown University student, and all four victims say they knew their attacker.

Still, investigators are not referring to these cases as date rapes.

Each of the reported attacks occurred inside a dorm or on-campus apartment except for one.

That victim says she was raped outdoors on a grass-covered quad that students here refer to as the DMZ.

"I just wouldn't have expected it to happen right on the DMZ," said senior Lauren Ford. "It's right in the center of where all the students live."

Robert Watrous, the Dean for Student Services at Kutztown, says the university is taking these allegations very seriously.

"All of the incidents have been reported to our campus police department. They are working closely with the Berks County District Attorney to conduct a thorough investigation," Watrous said.

The four victims have remained on campus, and Watrous said he hopes it stays that way.

"All things considered, they're doing okay. They're not doing great, but they're managing," he said.

Action News spoke by phone with Berks County DA John Adams, who said no formal charges have been filed and no arrests have been made.

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