Wichita State University police arrested a 19-year-old student at a campus dorm hall on suspicion of rape Saturday, Oct. 24. It was the second such arrest on campus in less than two weeks.
James Vandenberg, a freshman studying business, was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on suspicion of rape and held on $100,000 bond, The Sunflower, WSU's student newspaper, reported. A Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office spokesman told Fox News Digital that Vandenberg was released Sunday, Oct. 25, after securing a $100,000 surety bond.
WSU campus police are investigating the case, according to Fox News Digital.
The arrest came 12 days after university police arrested Aaron Christian, 18, also a WSU student, on charges of aggravated domestic battery and rape. Sedgwick County Jail records identified Christian as the suspect, KWCH reported Oct. 13. Christian was released the next day after also securing a $100,000 surety bond, according to Fox News Digital.
The WSU Police Department is handling that investigation as well.
In an update published by The Sunflower, WSU spokesperson Lainie Mazzullo-Hart said the university does not tolerate violence and is committed to preventing it and responding to reports of criminal activity on campus. The statement did not identify any new safety measures following the arrest.
"Sexual violence has no place in any campus community, and we are committed to following all applicable laws, reporting, investigative and student-support processes," the statement read.
Both cases remain allegations. Neither Christian nor Vandenberg has been convicted.
Students seeking support related to relationship violence, sexual misconduct or stalking can contact WSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services at wichita.edu/caps. People who experience or witness criminal conduct are encouraged to contact police. Student misconduct can also be reported through the university’s portal at wichita.edu/reportit.
