PA- Woman Charged in False Rape Allegations

9-24-2009 Pennsylvania:

On August 13th, a woman entered the University Police Station and reported that she was raped in the parking lot known as the "pit," located behind Dansbury Commons.

Seven days later, on August 20th, she recanted her story, saying that she lied about the incident. Laura Gruver, 22, of Bethlehem has been cited for making false reports to law enforcement and is expected to appear in court later this month.

According to an Affidavit filed by Trooper Robert Sebastianelli of the Pennsylvania State Police, Gruver claimed that she was walking to her car at 11 a.m. while "praying because she had a feeling something bad was going to happen, on campus this next semester."

She claimed that someone grabbed her from behind, put a knife to her throat, and forced her into a wooded area behind the parking lot. Before raping her, the man allegedly said "all you women want it and I'm going to give it to you."

She described her attacker as a tan white male with brown hair and brown eyes wearing a blue rain slicker.

On August 20th, Gruver completed a four page written statement about the incident and signed the document which specified the act of making false statements as a third degree misdemeanor.

Hours later, Gruver returned to the Swiftwater State Police Barracks stating that she had lied about the incident and admitted to placing a pair of underwear and glasses in the wooded area. She said that she lied about the rape because she was having academic and personal problems.

On the morning of the alleged incident, ESU police officers acted quickly to secure the crime scene and canvas for any potential evidence or witnesses.

"She was a very believable victim but her story was outrageous," said University Police Chief Robin Olson. "Our job is not to doubt, it is to assist. I have to take that information and act on it as if it is true information."

According to Chief Olson, reported cases of rape are uncommon on campus. Three incidents were reported in 2008 and less than three were reported in 2007. ESU has a student population of over 7,500. Chief Olson said that a majority of reported rape cases involve alcohol and are usually committed by acquaintances of the victim, unlike the report made by Gruver.

Chief Olson hopes that this incident will not deter victims from reporting incidences of sexual assault or rape. "I hope a victim would look at this situation and recognize that this was taken seriously and acted upon.

The police went to the fullest extent, so I hope that anyone who experiences this will report it," said Chief Olson. "That was one of my concerns when I came on the job and it's still a major concern of mine."

University Police Prevention Officer Richard Connell and Sexual Assault Responding Officer Brooke Lininger are currently working together to create new programs to educate the university community about rape and sexual assault.

Starting next semester, a rape defense course will be offered which will educate students on how to avoid potentially harmful situations and demonstrate defensive maneuvers.

The university has also implemented the Safe Ride Program which offers rides for students who do not want to walk on campus after dark.

The program runs between the hours of 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. and is available everywhere on campus and also runs to University Ridge Apartments. To request service dial 3063 from any campus phone. ..Source.. by Jennifer Schaadt