University Of Guam Professor Convicted Of Sex Assault

HAGATNA, GUAM — A University of Guam professor was found guilty of sexual assault after three women said he reached into their shorts or bikini bottoms and touched them inappropriately following a party at his house three years ago.

Professor Michael Ehlert was found guilty of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and attempted third-degree criminal sexual conduct against two students, The Pacific Daily News reported. He was cleared of third-degree criminal sexual conduct against a different student.

The assaults happened while the students and Ehlert swam at a nearby beach and played drinking games, witnesses testified.

The 56-year-old professor faces up to eight years in prison for each conviction, prosecutor Matthew Heibel said. Ehlert will be sentenced in October. (For more on this and other Across America stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The university praised the women in a statement for coming forward with the allegations.

"This took a tremendous amount of courage and serves as an example for those who have experienced sexual misconduct," the statement said. "Their voices are powerful and transformative."

Ehlert remained on administrative leave as of Monday afternoon and was still employed as a faculty member.

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