The investigation of a reported rape at a fraternity house two weeks ago could continue for months, but police and university officials would not confirm or deny rumors that the suspects are university public figures.
A UA student contacted police in the early hours of April 13 and said a man sexually assaulted her at the Sigma Pi fraternity house, 1525 E. Drachman St., said Sgt. Eugene Mejia, University of Arizona Police Department spokesman.
Although rumors have been floating among students that the suspect or suspects are high-profile members of the campus community, administrators said they could not comment on the issue because of privacy laws and the police investigation.
A caller who identified himself as "John" said on a KNST 790 AM talk show Monday he was at the Sigma Pi fraternity when the student reported she was raped, said John Basarab, a producer for the station.
"John" suggested the possibility that UAPD is covering up a crime and taking the side of the well-known campus men, Basarab said.
Mejia said because the investigation is still pending, police cannot comment on who the suspect or suspects are. The reason the investigation is taking a long time is not because they are attempting a cover-up, but a person who is accused of rape deserves a fair investigation, Mejia said.
"Our main function is to fully investigate and ensure justice is served," Mejia said, acknowledging how he has also heard about the rumors circulating around campus.
University officials said they know about the reported rape but were careful to divulge information.
"Right now the rumors are just that: rumors," said Paul Allvin, UA spokesman.
Saundra Taylor, vice president of campus life, said the university will not open an investigation on the person or people accused of sexual assault until police complete their investigation, and she would not comment on who the suspect or suspects are.
Sigma Pi Fraternity President Joe DiVita said the suspect or suspects are not members of the fraternity even though the incident happened at the house.
The Dean of Students Office has the jurisdiction to pursue disciplinary action if deemed necessary, but Allvin said the university has access to minimal information because it is an "active criminal investigation."
Melissa Vito, dean of students and associate vice president of Campus Life, could not be reached for comment. Vito handles disciplinary action for UA students and greek chapters.
But administrators' hands are tied until UAPD concludes the investigation.
Although police cannot comment about the alleged rape specifically, many factors could contribute to why it is taking so long, including witness statements, physical evidence or lab results, Mejia said.
Mejia said rumors tend to be exaggerated over time in any UAPD investigation.
"People formulate opinions on what they hear, but that isn't firsthand knowledge of what actually happened," Mejia said.
Daniel Benavidez, the communications director for the Pima County Attorney's Office, said the timeline for sexual assault cases are "relative" because the police are attempting to gather enough evidence to result in a guilty verdict.
Mejia said once their investigation is complete, they will present the information to the Pima County Attorney's Office and they will officially charge or dismiss the case.
"It's in everybody's best interest that the police and prosecuting officers present a case so it's complete," Benavidez said.
Although it may be "hard on the victims" to wait for an arrest, Benavidez said after the arrest, the suspect must appear in front of a judge within 24 hours. In Arizona, the case must be heard in front of a jury within 10 to 20 days of the initial appearance, Benavidez said.
Mejia said details of the case will not be released until someone is officially charged with rape.