On-campus alleged assault/attempted sexual abuse claim was false, investigators conclude

A student who claimed to have been assaulted/sexually abused on the North Campus has told investigators that the incident never happened.

The woman's Feb. 6 claim was investigated by University Police, but investigators were unable to find evidence to support the student’s claim and the student admitted that the claim was false, said University Police Chief Gerald Schoenle. “This incident created an atmosphere of concern on campus, and we think it is important for everybody at UB to know that we have determined that the alleged crime never took place.”

The case has been forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review. It also will be referred to the university’s Office of Judicial Affairs and Student Advocacy, which reviews potential violations of university regulations.

UB takes the issue of sexual assault on campus very seriously and all sexual misconduct complaints are thoroughly investigated. UB has sexual misconduct prevention and response programs, policies and practices in place to protect and support survivors of sexual misconduct and to educate students. UB is committed to ensuring that victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and/or stalking can obtain assistance.

The university’s current policy, “Sexual Violence Response Policy,” along with the “Sexual Violence Student Bill of Rights” and “Options for Confidentially Disclosing Sexual Violence” can be found online.