Posted: Feb. 17, 2015 | Written by Valerie Osier & Crystal Olmedo
After two reports surfaced alleging attempted sexual assaults inside Riverside City College restrooms Jan. 14 and 15, the latter has been ruled as false.
The 18-year-old woman who reported the second incident “recanted her assertion that an attack took place” after meeting with both police and detectives, according to a statement written by RCCD’s Senior Public Affairs Officer Robert Schmidt. The statement was emailed to faculty and staff Friday afternoon.
The release also stated that the situation surrounding the second incident does not affect the report by another student on Jan. 14 that took place in the quad restroom, which was “investigated and deemed as credible.”
According to a statement on the RCC website by campus police chief Jim Miyashiro, video footage lacked any physical evidence including the reported pencil stabbing in the Jan. 15 reported attack.
The student told RCC Campus Police that her instructor had informed her class that any students who were late or absent would be dropped from the class. Thus, the student decided to make the false sexual assault claim to avoid being dropped from her class.
According to Miyashiro RCC Campus Police have filed charges against the student with Riverside District Attorney’s Office for PC 148.5(b) – a false report of criminal offense, which is a misdemeanor. If the student is charged she could possibly face one year in jail, probation, as well as reimbursing the RCC Campus Police for the time and resources investigate her claim.
The student also faces college disciplinary charges such as suspension or expulsion for student conduct violations.
Since the sketch of a suspect was released, Miyashiro stated that at least 39 calls have been received identifying someone who was said to have matched the description of the suspect. RCC Campus Police questioned a suspect who appeared to fit the description. He was submitted to a line up and was ruled out by the first victim and the second alleged victim. Although he was not charged with sexual assault the suspect was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant.
