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Alexander Garces, a 22-year-old student at the University of Central Florida student, has been charged after he allegedly of raped an unidentified person during a party at his fraternity house.
Garces, 22, was charged with sexual battery and false imprisonment after he allegedly attacked a guest at the Alpha Tau Omega ‘New Years in July’ party.
The victim, whose gender and name have not been released, was allegedly approached by Garces during the July 22 party at the university’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house, where he asked them to come upstairs with him and another man.
Afterward, the unnamed victim told campus police that they were friends with Garces, so despite the fact that they did know the second man, they felt comfortable going upstairs. The second suspect’s name has also not been released because it is considered an active investigation. However, a warrant is out for his arrest.
via WKMG:
The victim said he or she felt comfortable going upstairs with Garces because the two had been friends. Immediately after closing the door, the other man locked it and Garces began playing music on his cellphone, the affidavit said. The victim sat on a couch, and a few minutes later, Garces grabbed the victim by the legs and pulled, forcing the victim onto his or her back, according to the arrest report.
Garces began touching the victim sexually and when the victim tried to stop him, Garces grabbed the victim’s hair to force him or her to the ground, UCF police said. The victim said he or she performed oral sex on Garces in hopes of stopping the attack, according to the affidavit. Police said Garces continued to be aggressive with the victim, pushing him or her to the floor. The other man approached the victim and removed his or her underwear, the report said.
The victim punched Garces in the ribs, to which he reportedly replied, “I’ve never seen you like this before, what’s going on?” The victim told Garces, “I’ve been raped before, I’m not about to be in a situation like this … don’t do this to me,” according to the report. Police said that’s when Garces grabbed his cellphone and left the room, leaving the victim alone with the other man.
That man is accused of raping the victim and putting his hands around his or her throat and mouth to stop the victim from screaming. The victim said the man stopped abruptly and left the room, at which point the victim fled from the party and tried to get a ride home.
The victim reported the crime to the UCF Police Department on Friday, August 4. Police say that surveillance video from the party shows the victim outside of the fraternity house crying as several people attempt to console them.
Alpha Tau Omega released an official statement, saying it had suspended Garces:
“Officials with the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity learned of the police investigation on Saturday, and the chapter immediately suspended the man. ATO is conducting an internal investigation and will assist local authorities and university officials as requested. The alleged assault reportedly occurred during a July 22nd party at the chapter house. The party was approved by UCF and held in accordance to strict university guidelines.”
Garces, who was arrested on Monday, August 7 at the fraternity house, remains in jail.
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