Student arraigned on criminal sexual assault charge
Pradeep Gujjula, a 24-year-old graduate student was arraigned at 10:30 a.m. Friday for fourth-degree criminal sexual assault.
Pradeep Gujjula, a 24-year-old graduate student, was arraigned Friday on one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual assault.
Central Michigan University Police Department officers said Gujjula inappropriately touched the chest of a female staff member after asking to take a selfie photograph with her. The incident took place April 15 in an academic building.
CMU's administration has not yet commented on this incident. According to the Sexual Misconduct Policy, there are interim measures the university can take prior to a student's conduct hearing if found in violation of the Code of Conduct. The hearing must happen within 60 days of being reported.
These interim measures can include one or more of the following: No contact orders, residential reassignments or removal, changes to employment assignments, changes to academic assignments, counseling, temporary suspension or temporary delay of graduation or other academic progress.
No plea was given during his arraignment. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. April 30 in the Isabella County Courthouse.
If convicted, Gujjula could face up to two years in prison, a $500 fine or both.
Gujjula was arrested at his off-campus residence and bonded out of jail. The university has restricted him to only enter academic buildings where he is taking courses.
Police believe Gujjula has committed similar acts after interviewing him during their investigation. CMUPD encourages students to call them at (989) 774-3081 if they have similar experiences with Gujjula.
Last semester, Students Advocating Gender Equality protested to "expel all rapists." They are now holding a protest at noon April 29 between the Bovee University Center and Fabiano Botanical Garden titled "Kick Him Out." Upon hearing the student was allowed to attend classes while waiting for his arraignment, they organized the protest.
Hannah Mollett, president of SAGE and Ortonville senior, said allowing the Gujjula to attend class on campus puts not only the victim, but all women at risk.
"The university administration has shown repeatedly that they do not care enough about the safety of the campus community, both students and staff," she said. "We're hoping to show the administration that allowing a known perpetrator of sexual assault to be on campus is not 'taking care' of each other and not something to be proud of."
