No charges filed yet in alleged rape

It could take weeks, possibly months, before the outcome of a reported sexual assault investigation involving two University of South Dakota students officially surfaces, Vermillion Police Department Chief Matt Betzen said Tuesday.

The investigation began Oct. 6 after University Police Department officials responded to a call from the Coyote Village residence hall reporting the incident between 3:30 and 4 p.m.

After securing the room where the alleged sexual assault occurred between a male and female student, Pete Jensen, UPD director, said Vermillion police took over the case because of the severity of circumstances.

Matthew Shore, a sophomore resident in Coyote Village, witnessed the afternoon’s investigation transpire, noting there were officers all around the building complex.

“I remember coming down (from my room) and there were two parents here and a police officer,” Shore said. “I didn’t realize what was going on until later, (after hearing) bits and pieces here and there through the vine.”

Shore said university and law officials have not met with him or anyone he knows to discuss the incident or to receive suggestions on how to improve campus safety.

Betzen reiterated the investigation is ongoing and that no charges have been filed against the assailant. He declined to comment further on the case “until more developments become available,” wanting to ensure all parties involved receive fair due process.

The Volante was denied access to the police report, and Betzen said Tuesday there are many factors contributing to the investigation’s progress that have yet to be completed, like the process time of laboratory work and investigational procedures.

Clay County State’s Attorney Teddi Gertsma said her office is involved with the investigation, which is pending, but could not release any more information about the reported sexual assault “due to the sensitivity of the case.”