Wichita State University Student Arrested on Rape Charge, Second Such Incident in a Month

A Wichita State University student was arrested Saturday on a rape charge, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office. James Vandenberg was taken into custody by university police at a campus dorm hall. He was later released from jail after posting a $100,000 surety bond.

Details surrounding the incident that led to the charges were not immediately available. The Wichita State University Police Department is investigating the case.

The arrest follows a similar incident on Oct. 12, when 18-year-old Aaron Christian was arrested on charges of aggravated battery and rape. Christian was also released after posting a $100,000 surety bond. The Wichita State University Police Department is investigating that case as well.

A university spokesperson stated that the school takes all reports of sexual assault seriously. "Sexual violence has no place in any campus community, and we are committed to following all applicable laws, reporting, investigative and student-support processes," the spokesperson said.

Prior to these two incidents in October, the last reported sexual assault allegation on campus was on Feb. 28 at The Flats, an on-campus apartment complex. Additionally, a sexual battery allegation was reported on Feb. 18 at Shocker Studios, leading to the arrest of a 20-year-old man, according to campus police records.