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Subscribe to RSSMISSOULA, Mont. – The U.S. Department of Justice unveiled a broad probe Tuesday into complaints that authorities were failing to aggressively investigate sexual assault reports in Missoula, citing more than 80 reported rapes there during the past three years.
The investigation includes a review of the handling of sexual assault and harassment reports at the University of Montana at Missoula, where at least 11 student-related sex assault cases have surfaced in recent months.
At least two members of the university's Big Sky Conference champion football team, the Grizzlies, have been accused of rape, leading to the recent dismissal of the football coach and the school's athletic director.
A central thrust of the federal investigation will focus on complaints that local law enforcement has failed to properly investigate and prosecute sexual assaults on women in Missoula due to gender discrimination, the justice department said.
"The allegations that the University of Montana, the local police department and the county attorney's office failed to adequately address sexual assaults are very disturbing," Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement.
Full story at KECI, NBC Montana
Local authorities said the incidence of rape in Missoula, a western Montana city of 86,000 people, is on par with similarly sized college towns, and the county's chief prosecutor questioned the Justice Department's rationale for its inquiry.
The investigation comes in the midst of an election year in which women's issues have moved to the forefront as candidates seek to burnish their credentials among female voters.
The Justice Department probe will examine the inner workings of the university's public safety office, the Missoula Police Department and the Missoula County Attorney's Office.
Additionally, the department will review whether the university is complying with federal laws specifically barring sex discrimination, defined as including sexual assault and sexual harassment, in education programs, officials said.
Details of the investigation were announced at a news conference in Missoula, whose economy and identity are closely entwined with the state's flagship research institution.
"There are a lot of women in the community who have strong concerns about the manner in which sexual assaults have been handled," said Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez, head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.
Missoula Police Chief Mark Muir acknowledged his department had received roughly 80 rape reports in the past three years. But he said that on a per-capita basis, that figure was at or below the average level of reported rapes for U.S. college towns of similar size and makeup.
Muir, who said his department would cooperate with the inquiry, said he did not know how many of those reports had resulted in criminal charges being filed. Justice Department officials said they will be delving into that very question.
Missoula County's chief prosecutor, Fred Van Valkenburg, fiercely defended his office and the local police, calling the Justice Department probe an "overreach by the federal government."
"I have no reason to believe (police) violated anyone's rights," he said, adding that his office had no choice but to cooperate given "the heavy hand of a federal government that refuses to tell us what we supposedly have done wrong."
However, for Missoula business and university boosters, the investigation is an unwelcome development.
Administrators and business leaders say they worry about fallout from the Justice Department probe and six months of news about sex assault investigations tied to the university. From the fall of 2010 to fall of 2011, full-time student enrollment dropped by 2 percent.
NBC Montana and Reuters contributed to this report.
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At U. of Montana, people get utterly wasted. Drinking culture = sexual assault. Either from legit rape or from women who "changed their mind" after realizing how embarrassed they are that they put out for half the football team the night before. Change the drinking culture, and SA goes down drastically.
Only 80? Come on - show a little respect for these good college boys!!!
To hell with reason, let's just rush to judgment!!!!
Rape is an awful crime and should be punishable by law. There are some horrific things that have happened to women through the years. It is also an awful crime for females to consent to sex then cry rape afterwards. There has to be a check and balance in the system. We cannot have it go to one extreme to the other and that is already happening. There are many that have been proved to have cried rape and then several years later admit that they lied. I do not believe there is an excuse for either crime nor do I believe that one gender should get preference over the other. I would like to see "due process." The elite can buy their way out, the crooked ones get's one of their buddies to help them out and the regular Joe does not get "innocent until proven guilty." It is now "guilty until proven innocent." Check out the crime statistics across the board in Montana, then the population. Friends open your eyes to an even bigger picture here.
Please forgive me, if what I'm about to say has already been addressed. I know of one reason that the DOJ is in Montana. An exchange student was accused of drugging and raping an other student. Instead of notifying the police immediately, the exchange student was asked to report to the school administration offices. Which he, with his attorney did. At that time, they were informed of the serious charges. Several days later some one else wanted to talk to him, but could not find him. That's because he had gone home to Saudi Arabia. So then, the University fires some important people in the Sports Department. Some how, none of this makes any sense, so here comes the DOJ.
thorfin: interesting angle on this case, especially if it's true. I've another conjecture: based on the quote"
"Local authorities said the incidence of rape in Missoula, a western Montana city of 86,000 people, is on par with similarly sized college towns, and the county's chief prosecutor questioned the justice department's rationale for its inquiry".,
I'm wondering if there's more to the story, as you suggest, or if the Feds are just trying to make an example in Missoula. After all, if the incidence of rape there is commonplace, that's pretty pathetic. And if it owes to some "nudge-nudge, wink-wink, boys-will be boys" attitude on the part of the cops, or if they're too understaffed to handle it, that's all worth knowing.
Thorfin, you've got that story almost right. The first complaint against the Saudi student did not involve sexual assault, so the school followed the Student Code and opened an investigation, which involves letting the affected student know so that he can present his side of the story.
A week later a different student reported that the same Saudi student had tried to assault her; she had not reported this to the police. The university sent out a Clery Act notice the same day as required by federal law and copied the police department. The student did not go to the police until the next week, by which time the Saudi student had fled.
The problem here is the conflicting goals of the Clery Act--to protect students from possible threats--and law enforcement--who would rather that suspects NOT know that they have been reported are being investigated.
InterestedObserver78
Thank you for the correct information. It makes much more sense now. What I don't understand is, why the University is involved crime solving at all.
Thorfin, the University isn't. They took the initial complaint from the students. but the most that they can do is investigate whether a student has violated the Student Code. The worst punishment they can hand out is expulsion from the school. That's why is so important for students who have been assaulted to call the Missoula police department to make a report. What I--and the public in general--don't know is how good a job the University does at explaining that to students.
InterestedObserver78
Thanks again! But, despite the University's good intentions, it doesn't seem that the needs of the victims are being addressed in a timely manor. Even tribal, and military police uphold, and preserve the laws of the state and country. Shouldn't the University provide discrete support only? Such as, providing immediate transportation to the hospital, and, insisting on meeting the the police there. Please don't get me wrong, I'm pretty impressed with the system, and your description of it. I just think that there may be a few to many moving parts in this machine. It will be interesting to see what the Grand Inquisitor, (DOJ), will do to help prevent this violence.
While I was having lunch, I thought of my own upbringing in regards to interactions with girls and women. There were a number reasons why I couldn't hurt them. My Grandfather told me the best one. "If all the women in village like you, you will have an easy life". And, he was right.
One idea that no one has discussed enough is assaults, and reported assaults. What sort of society do we have, when two thirds of crimes against women are not reported?
And so the college powers who be still think that it's not a good idea for a female student who is a law abiding citizen who can legally be issued a CC permit to carry? Just how bad do the states have to get before the geniuses of this college will tell the Dean "well Sir, rapes happen to 1 in 2 of every female student, maybe allowing these peoples daughters, children's mothers, husbands wives etc...to carry might line up with other cities that show that the more armed individuals per capita, the less violent crime and less sexual crimes happen. I am a big advocate for people who can carry a firearms to just ignore the idiots of the campus and carry anyway. If the day comes where you face some nutcase who attempts to "Rambo" innocent people or if it be a woman who ended the chance of being psychologically messed up for life, I can almost bet if the school attempted to toss the student out, the American public would never allow it to happen. There is obeying the law but what the laws being made endanger the lives of the innocent then that's when you decide to do whats best in your favor. The whole idea of having a concealed weapon on you is not to let others know about it. Get smart people, your life is more important and worth more than a group of anti gun idiots who will call you names for defending your life.
That is what you get for recruiting inner-city thugs. Most of the football players couldn't make Div I football so end up going to U of M. Missoula cops are more concerned with somebody walking out of a bar at closing time with a open container. If you check out the local paper comments you'd see most think it's the girl asking for it. Griz sux
I beg to differ on the inner city thugs/football charges.
The rapes are a symptom of the 19th century 'Westward Ho" attitude of raping, then marrying cousins and little sisters of/from a cowboy mentality--born and bred thru incestuous relations of family members for the last 150 years. ie; "The Montana Cowboy Way".
Besides...the sheep are in Wyoming.
Did the author throw "thrust" in there as a joke. Not funny.
One rape is one too many. Davesnot..........sarcasm or not, your comment about raising the stats is offensive to every woman alive.
I really don't care if there is one girl being raped or 80 girls being raped. The fact is that RAPE is RAPE. That is a crime and the Police are doing a terrible injustice to these young women by not really investigating these crimes thoroughly. Something tells me that good old boys are at it again. Don't upset the apple cart as we need these good football players on the team that we recruit from all over the country.
And this is where we get the big scheme cover-ups. No body wants to see these animals go to jail, but guess what, if it was the Police Chief's daughter or the prosecuting attorney's daughter they would have had these animals in jail before nightfall.
There is no excuse for Rape at any time. A Rapist wants full control at all times of his victims. They don't care how much they hurt someone as long as they think they can get away with it.
Missoula, Montana should wake up and clean up there mess.
Lonnnie cole,
I whole heartedly agree with your comment!
Cagey-B
Please Google the May 2, Missoulian, the town news paper. And, I agree with those that suggest an attempt at cover up. Also, the law in this city would be the envy of most towns in America.
Unfortunately, the schools are bringing in real bad kids who are there just for sports. They have no intention to learn a damn thing just getting ready to go PRO! So immature girls do throw themselves at these guys for we have mistakenly made them our "heros". They are not; I promise you. They either make pro or end up in jail. Pretty big risk would you not say? Yes they rape for the world is their oyster; theirs for the taking. Is it wrong? Hell, yes, but the administration sells out so they can sell tickets to those wanting to cheer their gladiators. Rome treated their gladiators to women also!
and they wonder why there are so many school shootings. this is just ridiculous for local law enforcement to even not investigate. the poor victims are probably screaming for justice and not a damn thing is happening. it makes it even worst for them knowing no one cares, it's basically ruining their lives. good job @!$%#s for not giving a damn.
My statement regarding this issue.
""The allegations that the University of Montana, the local police department and the county attorney's office failed to adequately address sexual assaults are very disturbing," Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement."
Eric, I, and the people who know, are not distracted by you, who sold 2,500+ firearms to the Mexican cartels, resulting in over 300 Mexicans murdered, and 2 American Federal Agents murdered, in a gun control farce called Operation fast and Furious, a false flag operation wherein you provide the crime and you come running in with the solution.
We are not impressed that you, who will not give congress the paperwork that they require to prosecute you, the guilty, have the audacity to say that, "the county attorney's office failed to adequately address sexual assaults are very disturbing." You think that sexual assaults are, 'disturbing'? However, you don't see murders that you are responsible for as disturbing.
Well, Eric; Americans ARE disturbed by your behavior, and we want you removed from office. Over 125 congressmen have called for your resignation. Now, it is time for them to call for your arrest.
Thank you Eric; spoken like the racist pig that you are.
So then you only have off-topic political derail to add to the conversation? By the way, I am ALSO an American. Do not presume to speak for me. You have been reported for this derail.
80 in three years is high even in areas with twice the population. I live within 2 hour drive of three large universities and several smaller ones and all together there have not been 80 rapes in three years. There campus police chief, school administrator, district attorney and anyone else that had a hand in neglecting to protect the female population needs to be fired fined and jailed after a thorough beating. As for the perpertrators of these rapes, take them to any prison and tell the inmate "Here's your new bitch's and have fun" let them see how it feels.
Parent pull your daughter from this college and see how fast the fix the problem.
"80 in three years is high even in areas with twice the population. " --No, it's not. 80 in three years in a county with 109,000 people is just below the national average.
I em a colige grad frum montana nuthin is goen on truest me... ;D
;
This is a very disturbing situation. This also seems to be a problem in the military. I wonder just how many rapes aren't reported. I'm willing to bet there are alot. Someone needs to prosecute or step down and let someone who will do the job come into the prosecutors office.
Its called my Daddy has influence and money.
What do you wanna bet that some high and mighty had better be on the look out. Somebody will be wanting to talk to them.
Maybe Wyoming could lend Montana some sheep.
There are a lot of colleges that need an investigation. One I am familiar with wasnt a sexual assault problem, but, just plain corruption. For example: Taxpayers paying for unqualified people to get online degrees while being paid as an instructor? One went to a conference in vegas and got married at taxpayer expense? Threats of death and arrest from nursing programs? Setting up students to get thrown out if they feel they wont pass standardized tests like the NCLEX? It's just disgusting.
Perhaps you have a comment about THIS story?
mama say: get's yo' azz in carrege and granulate wif a degree, child
Montana is a Republican state! Wild, wild west, and gun toting cowboy country. I bet the ratio of women to men is way off too. I am not the least bit surprised. The war on women has created an attitude that we are not to be respected, and we are not equal. The Republican movement is bad for women. It will get worse. The gun obsession is a phallic thing, a control issue, a power trip, and violence begets sexual assaults. I worked with victims long enough to pick this up. In Republican states rape kids sit on shelves and evidence may not be processed. It is not priority with the Republicans. Women aren't important. So this mean victims may never get justice, but worse, perpetrators are out commiting more rapes. It is a vicious cycle and I really dislike the Republican Party the more I learn and the more I pick up patterns here. They are the party of oppression, and the core of a Republican often comes with religion, and many use scripture to justify their behavior.
Missoula is a liberal stronhold, with Democrats holding something 90% of the city council, county commissioners and other elected positions. There goes your theory.
By your response I am not surprised... you really don't do much researching beyond your leftist , "I hate all white men" talking points... The rape ratio in Missoula is consistent with the US average.. around 29% per 100,000 from 2007-2009(the latest Missoula crime stats I could find). Prior to that rapes exceeded the National average at an alarming percentage.. But it appears that again that this has been corrected and is trending down... Overall the violent crime index for Missoula in 2009 was 152.2 versus the US average of 238.00 ... For example the murder rate is 1.5% for 2007-2009 versus the US average of 5.5 for 100,000. regardless the percentage of rapes in this country is disturbing but to single out one city and one college campus because the DOJ the despicable Eric Holder and Barry want to make points with the left is just wrong and will not address the real issue of violence against women.
I forgot to add that InterestedObserver78 is dead on with the comment that Missoula is a Democrat stronhold... you want to make this about Republicans... you really are ignorant and rather pathetic..
good luck with the hate!