Juvenile Accused Of Raping University Of Alabama Student

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A suspect under the age of 18 has been charged as an adult with first-degree rape and first-degree sexual abuse following an investigation into the reported sexual assault of a University of Alabama student.

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Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, told local media on Wednesday the student reported to University of Alabama Police on Sept. 5 that she had been the victim of a sexual assault.

He said the suspect was an "acquaintance" of the victim.

The case was investigated by the VCU's Sexual Assault Section and Kennedy said investigators presented the findings of the investigation to a magistrate, who issued warrants charging the suspect with first-degree rape and first-degree sexual abuse.

The suspect was arrested Monday, Sept. 8, and booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail without bond under Aniah's Law.

Despite being charged as an adult, authorities have not released the suspect's name or other identifying information because the defendant is under 18.

Kennedy cited Alabama law prohibiting law enforcement from releasing photographs, likenesses or personal identifying information from law enforcement records involving juveniles charged as adults.

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