We have more on a Story we first told you about last week, in what’s termed a Sexual Extortion Investigation at Penn State involving several University Athletes. Did the University follow proper procedures in notifying the Federal Department of Education about the case? That’s a question we looked to answer.
The story revealed through Penn State Police Search Warrants that had been sealed since last Fall. That two Penn State Student Athletes told Police last September they were being extorted by a woman to first share sexually explicit photographs, and then saying she threatened to post them on social media unless more photos were sent. Police say they eventually found 33 videos used by the accused extortionist, with some taken in the Penn State Football locker room, showing Athletes in various stages of undress.
The Federal Department of Education’s Clery Act requires Universities to report public warnings of crimes — including sexual assaults. Penn State paid a nearly $2.4 Million fine in the Jerry Sandusky case, for not filing a Clery Act report. We asked if Penn State filed a report in relation to this latest case.
Here’s the University’s Response: “The proper entities within the University were appropriately notified in a timely manner, including the Title IX Office and the Athletics Integrity Office, among others. We are not aware of any Clery-reportable crimes associated with this investigation. Any student could be victimized in this way, and the University offers various support in response, as it has in this case. Penn State Athletics, along with other University offices, offers a range of programming and educational resources as well, to help student-athletes succeed, be safe, and make smart choices.”
There is still an ongoing Federal Extortion Investigation in this case. No charges have been filed in the local investigation which Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna says is now closed, because of none of the victims want to pursue the matter.
