Vic speaks out after chief placed on leave
The victim of a sexual assault spoke exclusively to WAVY.com the same day her university’s police chief was placed under investigation.
WAVY.com has confirmed Elizabeth City State University Police Chief Sam Beamon was placed on administrative leave on April 25, stemming from the campus’ handling of a complaint of assault and sexual battery.
10 On Your Side spoke exclusively with ESCU senior Katherine Lowe, who said she fell victim not once, but twice, to sexual assault by her dorm leader Anthony Butler.
“It came as no shock to me,” Lowe said. “It is time for the truth to be told. It’s about time they investigated him. It’s about time they investigated this school, because this has been going on for years.”
ECSU spokeswoman Kesha Williams says the UNC General Administration was contacted about the complaint. The UNC GA then notified state and local law enforcement agencies.
The State Bureau of Investigation is now conducting an independent investigation into the allegations of obstruction of justice and witness intimidation at ECSU. The SBI investigation was requested by the local District Attorney, NCDOJ spokesperson Noelle Talley confirmed.
“There’s not another case I know of,” Lowe said. “I’m sure it’s this one. It was just a scary experience that this man didn’t understand the word, ‘No.'”
Lowe said campus police were of little help after the first time Butler assaulted her.
“I told my mother, this is unfair,” Lowe said. “I told them what’s going on and they still allowed him to be on campus. I can’t enjoy my full campus experience, because he’s walking around.”
It was only when a city police officer stepped in Butler was arrested and charged. Williams could not confirm if the sexual battery case Beamon was investigating is the one dealing with Butler.
Until an interim police chief is named, Kelly White, Major of Operations for the NC A&T State University, will serve as acting police chief. READ FULL
