CU Boulder Student Arrested for January Campus Sexual Assault

BREAKING: A 22-year-old student at the University of Colorado Boulder, identified as Rylan Whitworth, has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman on campus in January. This urgent development was confirmed by CU Boulder police on Friday, heightening concerns over campus safety.

According to an affidavit, the incident occurred after Whitworth and the victim connected on Tinder in the fall. They met at a bar in Boulder and later went to the woman’s residence. The situation escalated when Whitworth allegedly forced the woman to engage in sexual acts after she clearly stated, “I don’t want to,” and began to cry. This alarming testimony underscores the seriousness of the allegations.

Whitworth, currently enrolled at CU Boulder, described the encounter as consensual when questioned by authorities. However, DNA evidence collected from the January case matched Whitworth’s DNA from a separate investigation by Broomfield police regarding another sexual assault case from February. In that case, a woman reported feeling drugged and recalled someone touching her, but she could not identify the individual involved.

While the Broomfield case was ultimately inactivated due to insufficient evidence, the connection to Whitworth raises significant concerns. The arrest comes as part of a broader effort by campus authorities to ensure the safety and security of students in light of recent incidents.

Whitworth was released after posting a $100,000 surety bond. He is scheduled for an advisement hearing at 1:30 p.m. on December 1 at the Boulder County Jail. The university community is now on high alert as this case develops, prompting discussions on safety protocols and support for victims.

As this situation unfolds, authorities emphasize the importance of reporting such incidents and encourage anyone with information to come forward. The impact of this case on the student body and the wider community is profound, as many grapple with the implications of this alleged crime.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor this developing story.