Purdue News
Purdue News
February 6, 1998
The suspect is not affiliated with the university, but apparently was visiting a friend on campus when the incident occurred Jan. 31 in a women's rest room in McCutcheon Residence Hall, said William Coghill, director of safety and security at Purdue.
"After interviewing witnesses at McCutcheon, our officers followed leads to Indianapolis where we talked with the suspect, who has admitted that he had been in the rest room," Coghill said. "I appreciate the extra efforts of our police officers as well the assistance from the residence hall administration, counselors and the students who helped us with this case."
The offense of voyeurism is a misdemeanor unless witnessed by a police officer. Prosecutor Jerry Bean said Friday, however, he will file charges if the evidence warrants it. The penalty could be as much as 180 days in jail and a fine up to a $1,000.
Coghill said the investigation into earlier cases will continue: "We have no reason to believe this suspect was involved with the five incidents reported last semester at McCutcheon, four of them early in the semester and one just before Christmas. Anyone with information about those is asked to contact our office at 494-8221."
Police will continue to operate foot patrols in the residence halls, Coghill said. Newly installed locks on the McCutcheon women's rest rooms will be retained at least until the end of the semester, said John Sautter, vice president for housing and food services. The locks were installed this week following the latest incident.
"We're grateful to the police for all their efforts in solving this case," Sautter said. "We'll also continue locking outside doors for longer periods than usual, at least until the end of the semester, when we'll reassess the situation."
In the case Jan. 31, a woman taking a shower on the fifth floor of McCutcheon screamed when she saw a man looking at her. He then fled, was pursued by a counselor, but escaped. The description of that man did not match those of individuals described in earlier incidents.
Writer: Jeanne V. Norberg: (765) 494-2084; e-mail: jeanne_norberg@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
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