Cal U. player charged with rape
A California University of Pennsylvania basketball player was arrested early Saturday by California police for allegedly raping a 19-year-old woman in an apartment at Vulcan Village.
Jeremy Posey, 19, of Huntingdon, Huntingdon County, is accused of sexually assaulting the woman following a party at the housing complex. Posey is listed on the college’s website as being a sophomore forward on the men’s 2012-13 basketball team. The team’s season is over.
Police were called to an apartment at Vulcan Village about 5 a.m. for a report of a sexual assault. The alleged victim told police she had invited Posey to a gathering.
When the party dispersed, the 19-year-old said she went to her bedroom about 4 a.m. Posey reportedly followed her to her room, but she told him she wanted to go to sleep. While she was trying to sleep, she said Posey started groping her. The 19-year-old said she told him to stop, but he continued to touch her.
The woman said Posey then began sodomizing her, and that she lay motionless until the assault was over. The teen said Posey then got up, pretended to vomit and ran out of the room.
The alleged victim showed police a text message reportedly sent by Posey telling her he knew she was awake.
The 19-year-old was taken to Monongahela Valley Hospital for treatment and a sexual assault examination. Christine Kindl, university spokeswoman, said an advocate accompanied the 19-year-old to the hospital.
“Cal U’s first concern is for the (alleged) victim, and we will continue to provide support for her and her family as needed,” Kindl said.
Police went to 500 Second St. in an attempt to find Posey, but he did not respond to knocks on his apartment door. Police called his cellphone, but Posey allegedly hung up as soon as the officer identified himself.
Police then called the basketball coach, Bill Brown, asking him to call Posey. Brown did contact Posey and had him turn himself in to police. When police checked Posey’s jacket, they said they found his cellphone and two condoms.
“This is a serious matter that must be resolved through the criminal justice system,” Kindl said. “Because the suspect is a student, the situation also will be addressed through the university’s disciplinary procedure.”
“Student-athletes, like all Cal U. students, are expected to abide not only by the law but also by our Student Code of Conduct,” the spokeswoman added. “The university’s disciplinary process treats them no differently than any other students.”
Posey was arraigned Saturday morning before District Judge Jay Weller on charges of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, reckless endangerment and aggravated indecent assault. He was released from the Washington County jail Saturday afternoon after posting $30,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for March 20 in Central Court.