Orange, CA - Chapman University Student Allegedly Sexually Assaulted on Campus by Dalante Jerome Bell

Student Sexually Assaulted on University Campus in California

According to KTLA, a man attempted to sexually assault a student on the campus of Chapman University located at 1 University Dr, Orange, CA 92866.

At approximately 12:40 a.m. on September 24, 2021, a victim was sitting in the university's Henley Hall's courtyard on a video call with her boyfriend when 22-year-old Dalante Jerome Bell attacked her. Bell, who is not a student at the university, allegedly punched the victim in the face causing her to hit a concrete trash can. Bell then proceeded to begin touching the victim's genitals before she was able to push him off. The victim credited her 12 years of karate with helping her fight off the perpetrator as she chased him away. 

Family members turned Bell over to the police following the release of security footage from the attack. He has been arrested on suspicion of assault with the intent to commit rape. 

Legal Rights of Victims Sexually Assaulted On University Campus

Attorney contributor Bobby Thompson is an experienced sexual assault attorney in California. Bobby has provided commentary regarding victims who have been sexually assaulted on a university campus. 

"University students often attend schools that are far from home, and it may be their first time living without the security of their parents. Universities and colleges have a legal duty to provide adequate security on campus property. Safety measures, which can include surveillance cameras, well-lit common areas, and patrolling security guards, should be used to prevent crimes such as sexual assaults."

"If a crime takes place and the university did not implement safety measures for students, families are urged to explore their legal options with an experienced sexual assault attorney. The protection of the students should be a high priority to the university, which could be held liable if they did not have sufficient security measures. If the area had seen an increase in incidents or crime and failed to increase its measures, subsequent crimes could be deemed foreseeable. In the event of a crime that is reasonably foreseeable, the university could be proved responsible in a civil lawsuit and could owe the victim for their damages."

Sources:

KTLA