Oxford police: 5 recent sexual assaults not connected

Here’s everything we know now:

1. Bond set at $41,000 for suspect

Brandon Levi Gilbert, 22, of the 100 block of Homestead Avenue, was arraigned Monday for rape, kidnapping and assault. His bond was set at $41,000. He is scheduled to appear in Butler County Area I Court on Thursday for a preliminary hearing.

2. Suspect is a Miami University employee

Gilbert works for Miami University in a “buildings and grounds” role, and has been suspended without pay until his case moves through the legal system, according to police.

3. 5 recent sexual assaults not connected, police say

Since August — when Miami University students returned to Oxford — five sexual assaults have been reported to either the Oxford Police Department or Miami University Police, according to Oxford Police Lt. Lara Fening.

She said none of the assaults are related and most involve acquaintances known to the victims.

4. Oxford police praise woman’s actions

Fening said the student victim in Saturday’s assault should be commended for her response and getting the attention of the police officer.

While being attacked, the woman said she saw the lights from a police cruiser, which happened to be stopped nearby as the officer wrote a ticket for a vehicle registration violation.

“She stated that the male held her down on the ground and told her to ‘Shut up,’ likely because he witnessed (the) overhead lights as well. She stated that she fought back and punched the male several times as well to get him off her,” according to the police report.

5. University: We are committed to preventing sexual assault

“We are grateful for the work of the Oxford Police Department and their swift action in making this arrest,” said Claire Wagner, director of Miami University news and communications in a statement to the Journal-News.

“We remind all victims/survivors of sexual assault to seek medical help and to tell someone. At Miami, we are committed to working to prevent sexual assault and interpersonal violence and to support victims/survivors through counseling, health and support services,” Wagner said.

Reports of sex crimes — including rape, sexual assault and fondling — at Miami University decreased from 31 in 2016 to 29 in 2017, according to annual federally mandated campus crime and safety reports released Monday.