CU linebacker charged

By Lee Pruitt in News on Jan 13, 2011 18:00 / comments

(CU Independent illustration/Adam Milner)

Michael Sipili, a 22-year-old ethics major and former CU football linebacker, is now facing formal charges after being accused of sexual assault

Catherine Olguin, the public information officer for Boulder County District Attorney, reported on his current situation.

“Sipili was officially charged with one count of sexual assault today at 2 p.m.,” Olguin said. “The preliminary hearing will be on Feb. 3 at 9 a.m. to determine whether or not the judge believes he should go to trial. He will only enter a plea if the judge believes his case should go to trial.”

Sipili turned himself in to authorities after a felony warrant was issued for his arrest, according to a press release.

According to a Boulder Police Department press release, the investigation began on Dec. 4 after a report was filed by a 22-year-old female claiming sexual assault took place at an apartment complex close to 27th Way and Moorehead Avenue.

The victim claims she repeatedly told Sipili no but he still proceeded to engage in sexual activity with her.

Ilana Bellowe, a junior math major, said she is not too concerned about the repercussions this will have for CU.

“I don’t really have a reaction yet because nothing is official, but this kind of thing happens everywhere,” Bellowe said.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Rachel Hersch at Rachel.hersch@colorado.edu.