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Duke Withholding Judgment Until Rape Probe Complete

Police on Monday continued investigating a reported rape near Duke University. Meanwhile, school officials say they are waiting before acting on the report.
Posted 2007-02-13T01:39:17+00:00 - Updated 2007-02-13T01:39:17+00:00
Duke Withholding Judgment Until Rape Probe Complete
Police on Monday continued their investigation of a reported sexual assault that happened early Sunday morning at an off-campus party near Duke University.

Meanwhile, university officials said they are withholding judgment until the investigation is complete.

"We're still trying to sort out what happened and all the other details before we act any further," said Larry Moneta, Duke's vice president of public affairs.

Moneta said the university is providing support to the alleged victim, an 18-year-old Duke student, and anyone who needs it.

The alleged incident was reported early Sunday at about 5:30 a.m. when police received a call about a woman who said she was raped in the bathroom of a duplex at 405 Gattis St.

Durham police said about 50 people were at the party at the time. Sources told WRAL that drugs and a weapon were found at the house, and a police spokeswoman said Monday that investigators are looking into that claim.

No one has been charged in connection with the allegations.

Police Chief Steve Chalmers said investigators were also working Monday to determine who was at the party and working with the alleged victim to get a better description of what the assailant looked like.

Anyone with information related to the alleged attack is asked to call Durham CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200.

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