Pi Kappa Phi suspended after rape incident
The USF chapter of Pi Kappa Phi is on temporary suspension after the arrest of a member for sexual battery on a child over 12.
SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE
Pi Kappa Phi fraternity is facing temporary suspension after one of its members, Dillon LaGamma, was arrested and charged with sexual battery on a child over 12, according to LaGamma’s arrest report from the Hillsborough County Jail.
The girl, a 16-year-old visiting campus, was raped while unconscious at a Pi Kappa Phi party last weekend, according to the criminal report affidavit. LaGamma confirmed to police while under oath that he “had vaginal and oral intercourse” with the girl, according to the criminal report affidavit.
University Police (UP) received the report Sunday morning and the investigation led them to LaGamma. The investigation is still ongoing, according to UP spokeswoman Renna Reddick.
LaGamma was arrested Sunday under “probable cause” and posted $7,500 bail the next day, according to the arrest report.
Pi Kappa Phi’s national office suspended USF’s Zeta Eta chapter Monday “to investigate alleged violations of the organization’s risk management policy and standards of conduct,” according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Student Affairs is reviewing the incident for violations of the Student Code of Conduct, according to university spokesman Adam Freeman. Students accused of crimes are subject to sanctions through the student conduct process.
More Stories
Bouldering wall in Rec projected to open after spring break
The Recreation and Wellness Center plans to open a new bouldering wall after spring break following multiple delays, according to assistant director of outdoor recreation Jason Gosch. The bouldering wall, which will replace the old racquetball court, will stand at around 12-14 feet tall, according to Gosch. Unlike a rock-climbing wall, Gosch said extra staff […]
College Board revises AP African American studies class, faculty concerned about impact on higher education
Assistant professor Kyaien Conner said Gov. Ron DeSantis’ initial rejection of Advanced Placement (AP) African American studies course in Florida could be a precursor to restrictions on critical race theory (CRT) classes in the state’s public universities and colleges. College Board released a revised version of the course on Wednesday, omitting some scholars and figures […]
USF Health to comply with DeSantis’ request for data on gender-affirming care
USF Health will comply with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ request for Florida’s 12 public universities to send information about students who sought gender-affirming care in the last five years, according to Senior Associate Vice President Donna Petersen. “We’ve been asked by the state to provide some information and we will respond. That’s all we know at […]
Black Student Success introduces new Black Heritage Month events
USF is celebrating Black Heritage Month by coordinating new events that will highlight Black culture, music and education on Black life. Pilar Walker, coordinator for Black Student Success, said her vision is to connect with students in a way that makes them feel seen and appreciated while also educating the general USF student body about […]
Transgender rights demonstration held in response to DeSantis’ gender-affirming care investigation
Following an announcement made by Gov. Ron DeSantis to investigate gender-affirming care procedures performed by Florida public universities, freshman communications and music studies double major Brooke Starz felt compelled to take a stand. Starz was one of 12 students handing out flyers linked to a petition for USF leadership to protect transgender students’ rights to […]
‘Sister Cindy’ causes laughter, unease during campus visit
A crowd of students gasped and cheered in front of the Marshall Student Center on Tuesday as social media campus preacher Cindy Smock, known as “Sister Cindy,” evangelized the benefits of an abstinent lifestyle. “At UCF, [students] have mothers that are h*es. Does anyone here have a mother that’s a h*e? Some of them have […]