Wichita State University Faces Back-to-Back Student Arrests on Rape Charges
Wichita State University police have arrested two students on rape charges within a two-week span. Investigations into the campus incidents are ongoing.
POLICY WIRE — Wichita, Kansas — Campus police at Wichita State University have taken two students into custody on rape charges in less than two weeks, according to official reports.
The most recent arrest occurred on Saturday, October 24, when 19-year-old business student James Douglas Vandenberg was apprehended at a university dormitory at 3:27 p.m. He was subsequently booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on one count of rape and later released after posting a $100,000 surety bond.
This incident follows the October 12 arrest of 18-year-old student Aaron Andrew Christian, who was taken into custody at 9:56 a.m. on charges of rape and aggravated domestic battery. Christian was released the following day after also posting a $100,000 surety bond.
Lainie Mazzullo-Hart, the university’s director of communications, confirmed both arrests and emphasized that the school does not tolerate violence of any kind. She stated that WSU is committed to taking all reasonable steps necessary to avoid, prevent and deter acts of violence on campus, and to be prepared to respond to reports of criminal activity that may occur on campus.
Regarding the university’s response, Mazzullo-Hart noted that Wichita State’s Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance provides support to the campus community through training and education, and Sexual Assault Psychological training is required for all students, faculty and staff. The university also maintains that it takes all reports of sexual assault seriously and is committed to following all applicable laws, reporting, investigative and student-support processes.
Prior to these October cases, campus police logs indicated a sexual assault report on February 28 at The Flats apartment complex, as well as a February 18 arrest of a 20-year-old man for an alleged sexual battery at Shocker Studios. Specific details regarding the circumstances of the two most recent arrests remain limited as investigations continue.
University officials have encouraged students to utilize campus counseling and psychological services for support. Resources for those affected by sexual violence include the national RAINN hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) in the United States, and various regional Rape Crisis support lines in the United Kingdom.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
