Man charged with sexual battery in connection with Kansas University dorm room incident

A 20-year-old Kansas City, Kan., man and former Kansas University student was charged Wednesday with misdemeanor sexual battery in connection with an April incident in a KU residence hall.

Last year, a 19-year-old student reported that the man, then 19, had raped her in his dorm room. The incident allegedly happened at Gertrude Sellards Pearson residence hall between 3:30 and 4 p.m. on April 8, the Journal-World reported. The victim had said she and the suspect knew each other.

KU police arrested the man following an investigation last spring, but he was not charged and was released from jail. Investigators continued to work the case, filing a new complaint in December, according to court documents.

The man was booked Wednesday into the Douglas County Jail on the sexual battery charge, but was soon released on his own recognizance. An “own recognizance,” or OR, bond means the accused can sign himself out of jail for free if he promises to attend all future court proceedings.

His next court hearing is scheduled for April 6.