18-year-old accused of raping minor teen in West Monroe
Caleb Richardson is charged with 3rd degree rape
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WEST MONROE, La. (KNOE) - West Monroe police are investigating an alleged sexual assault reported Saturday.
Arrest records show a 16-year-old accuses ULM student Caleb Richardson of raping her at his apartment on Contempo Avenue.
“According to the victim and the suspect, they have known each other for about four years,” said West Monroe Police Department spokesperson Officer Mike Karstendiek.
The teen told police Richardson and his roommates had taken drugs and she was intoxicated.
She said Richardson raped her after she refused his sexual advances multiple times.
“West Monroe Police Department also retrieved some evidence that could go along with the case, as well,” Officer Mike Karstendiek said.
Dozens of ULM students protested outside The Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity (PIKE) house Monday night.
“Stop supporting this organization,” said Chloe Chapel, a ULM student who supports the alleged victim.
They say Richardson’s fraternity brothers are shaming the victim, and this is nothing new.
“PIKE has already been through multiple accusations, they’re actually suspended from the university, they’re not supposed to be affiliated with the university, yet they do multiple things that get swept under the rug,” Chapel explained.
ULM officials say the fraternity was permanently removed in 2018 for hazing and alcohol violations. KNOE has not confirmed Richardson is a member of the fraternity.
Richardson is expected to appear in court again in December.
The university released the following statement addressing the investigation:
The University of Louisiana Monroe Police Department was informed by the West Monroe Police Department that a university student was arrested on Oct. 11 and charged in relation to an off-campus third-degree rape incident.
The university does not comment on ongoing law enforcement investigations.
President Ron Berry stated, “The safety of our students is our number one priority. ULM does not tolerate assaults of any kind. We respect the authority of the judicial process and must refer any questions at this time to the 4th District Attorney’s Office.”
University officials reported the incident to the ULM Office for Student Affairs, Advocacy and Accountability Department, Counseling Center, and Title IX Officer.
ORIGINAL STORY
An 18-year-old has been arrested in connection with the rape of a minor teenager in West Monroe.
According to court records, the suspect was identified as Caleb Ray Richardson.
The West Monroe Police Department says that on Oct. 10, they were called to St. Francis Medical Center in reference to a rape victim. Police say their investigation led them to identify Richardson as their suspect. On Oct. 11, he was arrested on a charge of third-degree rape and booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center.
Records indicate the alleged crime took place at an apartment at 201 Contempo Avenue, which is between North 7th Street and Thomas Road.
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