Update Regarding Rape Investigation

The Humboldt State University Police Department has identified the alleged perpetrator of the reported rape near Sunset Hall May 11, but no criminal charges have been brought because the survivor prefers not to take the case to trial.

UPD Chief Thomas Dewey said the suspect is an HSU undergraduate student who had had past social contacts with the survivor. Privacy rules prevent the disclosure of the alleged perpetrator’s name because he has not been arrested or charged with a crime.

"At this time, criminal prosecution is not anticipated", Dewey said. "The survivor has expressed agreement with the outcome of the criminal investigation and does not wish to proceed to court".

When the UPD established the perpetrator’s identity, the survivor was notified immediately and a summary of the probe was provided to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office.

Dewey said University officials are examining details of the incident and civil and administrative sanctions are under active review.

The chief credited the public with playing a key role in the success of the investigation. "We were working leads on several different people of interest", he said, "and the Crime Alert triggered significant community awareness and disclosures that were instrumental in making a positive identification."