Army reservist's sexual assault report under investigation
March 6 , 2007
Adapted from the Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice
An Army reservist claims she was sexually assaulted by one or more soldiers from her company.
State police confirmed they are investigating the alleged rape of the 22-year-old woman.
The woman told police she was sexually assaulted while visiting an all-male barracks between 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 a.m. Sunday. She was taken to the one hospital then another, police said.
“She’s apparently OK. I spoke with her today,” said a state trooper.
The woman underwent an examination for DNA evidence before being discharged, he said.
The alleged victim appeared to be credible, police said.
About 50 to 60 people have been interviewed so far in connection with the incident. No charges were filed as of yesterday, the trooper said.
“We’re constantly investigating further, as information comes in from individuals who may have been present in the area where the alleged assault occurred,” he said.
The alleged victim was new to the military. The woman was visiting male members of her reserve unit. Women from the unit are housed in another building, the trooper said.
The army reserve unit was training at a facility, but not based there, its spokesman said.
The trooper said there “may have been a few other incidents” at this facility in the past.
“It’s not common, but we have handled those types of complaints,” he said. “They have come to these barracks, and we’ve handled them appropriately as they come in.” |
