Police investigate drugs, assault case

Author: Caroline S. Stauffer and Thomas C. Drescher

Patrol Officer Vegar Boe said that drugs and alcohol likely played a role in the two alleged sexual assaults that reportedly took place on the evening of Friday, March 31 in Prescott House as the Middlebury Police Department (MPD) proceeds with its investigation.

Boe said his investigation includes "allegations of different prescription drugs - ADHD-type drugs." He added that it is likely that drugs played "very much a role in the case, like in most sexual assaults."

Director of Public Safety Lisa Boudah said she was unable to comment on the College's own investigation.

Delta House President Brendan Parnell '06 said that allegations of punch containing grain alcohol and ADHD-type drugs served at Delta House's semi-formal were "completely not true. One hundred percent not true."

"We have heard more rumors than we can list about this party," noted Parnell. "Public Safety reported no problems," he added.

Director of Parton Health Center Mark Peluso spoke to the consequences associated with mixing ADD/ADHD drugs and alcohol or illicit substances, succinctly calling it "a terrible idea." He continued, "The notion of mixing [ADD/ADHD drugs] in a punch is just plain stupid and, frankly, disappointing given the intelligence level expected of Middlebury students."

Peluso warned against drinking from a punch bowl or open container of any kind at parties, noting that there is no way to know whether a date rape or other drug has been added. "Individuals have a personal responsibility to know what they are drinking and should not take chances on punch bowls or drinks brought to them by others," he continued.

Boe said the MPD investigation of the alleged sexual assaults "is moving forward, and hopefully will be sent to the District Attorney's office soon." He reemphasized that in Vermont, police are required to bring their completed investigations of sexual assault reports to the State District Attorney's Office, at which point it is decided whether or not charges will be filed.

Dean of Student Affairs Tim Spears said that he was unable to comment on "judicial proceedings which are confidential under College Handbook guidelines."