University of California, Santa Cruz police are reporting that a sexual assault that was alleged to have happened on campus February 17 did not, in fact, take place.
UCSC Police Chief Nader Oweis announced today that the alleged victim has admitted that she staged the attack and fabricated the report. There is additional evidence that corroborates her admission, Oweis said.
The 21-year-old woman, who has not been identified, initially reported that she was visiting the campus when she was raped and physically assaulted at about 12 p.m. that Sunday in a remote area near the campus’ Classroom Unit buildings.
“Our officers, with a great deal of support from the Santa Cruz City Police Department and the district attorney’s office, have worked almost ‘round the clock on this since the attack was first reported 11 days ago,” Oweis said. “I’m grateful for everyone’s considerable efforts.”
Oweis added that it is crucial that word gets out that the attack never occurred.
“The report of this incident has very understandably created a deep sense of unease among UCSC students, staff, and faculty, as well as residents of the Santa Cruz area,” he said.
The case has been forwarded to the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine if charges will be filed against the woman for filing a false police report.
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