Second Student Arrested After Two Alleged Attacks Rock College Campus in Weeks

A Wichita State University student was arrested Saturday on suspicion of rape, becoming the second person arrested in connection with an alleged sexual assault on campus within a month.

A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told News Outlet that university police arrested James Vandenberg at a Wichita State residence hall.

Vandenberg was released from jail Sunday after posting a $100,000 surety bond, the spokesperson said.

Authorities did not immediately provide additional information about the allegations or the events that prompted the arrest.

Wichita State University campus police are leading the investigation, according to the sheriff’s office spokesperson.

The earlier case involved 18-year-old Aaron Christian, who was arrested Oct. 12 on suspicion of aggravated battery and rape. He was released the following day after posting a $100,000 surety bond. That investigation remains under the direction of the Wichita State University Police Department.

Following Christian’s arrest, a university spokesperson said Wichita State “takes all reports of sexual assault seriously.”

“The university takes all reports of sexual assault seriously. Sexual violence has no place in any campus community, and we are committed to following all applicable laws, reporting, investigative and student-support processes,” the spokesperson said.

Before the two reported October cases, the most recent sexual assault allegation listed in campus police records was reported Feb. 28 at The Flats, an apartment complex on the Wichita State campus.

Campus police records also show that a sexual battery allegation was reported Feb. 18 at Shocker Studios, home to the university’s school of digital arts. A 20-year-old man was arrested in that case.

News Outlet has contacted Wichita State University, Vandenberg and Christian for comment.