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A former Washington and Lee University freshman is facing two felony charges of sexual assault.
Ricardo Vergara, 19, or Nashville, Tenn., was arrested by the Lexington Police Department on Feb. 26 and charged with rape and object sexual penetration, both felonies, in relation to an incident that occurred on Jan. 14. He is also charged with misdemeanor sexual battery.
Detective Nathan Kesterson of the Lexington Police Department first spoke with the victim, another student at the university, in early February about the incident, which occurred on the university’s campus. Kesterson was unable to comment further about the incident, but told The News-Gazette that “the police department takes the charges seriously” and “will pursue them to the fullest extent of the law.”
Drewry Sackett, the university’s executive director of communications and public affairs, confirmed in an email on Tuesday that as of March 2, Vergara is no longer enrolled at the university.
She went on to say that “the safety and wellbeing of our students is of utmost importance. The university takes reports of sexual misconduct very seriously and is committed to fostering a climate free from sexual misconduct through clear and effective policies, a coordinated education and prevention program, and prompt and equitable procedures.”
At a hearing in Rockbridge County General District Court on March 1, the bond for Vergara’s release was set at $20,000. The bond was posted on March 3. Several conditions are associated with his release, including a prohibition on entering the property of any college campus, to not have any contact with the victim, and to return to Tennessee, only coming back to Rockbridge County for court appearances. A preliminary hearing on the charges in scheduled for June 28 in Rockbridge County General District Court.
