Purdue police arrest student accused of rape

Purdue University student James Rendon is accused of rape after an out-of-town student from Iowa reported late Thursday that he sexually assaulted her inside a fraternity house last weekend.

Rendon, 20, was arrested by Purdue police about 11:15 p.m. Thursday and booked into the Tippecanoe County Jail on preliminary charges of rape and possession of paraphernalia. He is being held there in lieu of $1,500 cash bond and $15,000 surety bond.

Rendon's address indicates he lives at the Acacia fraternity house. Purdue indicated in a press release that police suspect the assault happened inside that house. The fraternity was notified Friday that it has been suspended as a recognized student organization until the investigation is complete and can determine if there were violations inside the house, according to a Purdue news release. This suspension prohibits Acacia from participating in events, activities or functions sponsored by the university.

The university indicated Acacia members are expected to cooperate with the university and police investigations.

No one at the Acacia house would comment to the Journal & Courier, but a representative from the Acacia Fraternity Headquarters sent the following statement via email:

On Thursday, January 22, Acacia International Fraternity Headquarters staff was notified by the Purdue Chapter president of an alleged sexual assault that took place at the Purdue chapter house the prior evening. The chapter has been suspended by the University pending further investigation while the member in question has been arrested on rape charges, suspended by the university, and he has been suspended by the chapter. The chapter has and continues to fully cooperate with the investigation.

Acacia International Fraternity and the Purdue Chapter condemn sexual assault in the strongest possible terms and are treating this investigation seriously. The alleged actions of this individual do not reflect a problem with this chapter, however the entire chapter now bears responsibility for taking corrective actions and standing as a voice against sexual assault in the community. Acacia Fraternity supports the actions of Purdue University and looks forward to the outcome of the investigation.

We have no additional comments pending further investigation.

Purdue Police Chief John Cox said the allegations are still under investigation, and police are cooperating with authorities in Iowa, where the victim lives.