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ROCK HILL, S.C. – It was 2:15 Friday morning as a Winthrop co-ed made her way back to her dorm room in Margaret Nance hall. She was steps from the safety of her building, when someone came up behind her and held an unknown weapon against her. The woman, who is not being identified because of the nature of the crime committed against her, says the suspect grabbed her arm and forced her here. Winthrop Campus Police Chief Frank Zebedis said, “And as he was leading her to the isolated area, she was screaming. Those screams drew the attention of the residents of the resident hall.”Β
Zebedis says the woman’s screams were crucial. Nearby students heard her and called immediately for help. Police arrived on scene moments after the assault. They identified 24-year-old John Tyrone Roddey, Junior nearby and detained him. Zebedis says, “He has no affiliation with the campus. I have no idea why he was on the campus.”Β
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Roddey’s now charged with kidnapping and 1st degree criminal sexual conduct, which is rape, says Zebedis. Roddey’s accused of making the woman strip down and then penetrating her with his fingers. He also allegedly took pictures of the victim during the attack. “It can happen to anyone, it can happen to a girl or guy,” said one student who talked with WCCB Charlotte. Another student said, “I wasn’t exactly that shocked because the campus is public. But the fact that it happened on one of the most public parts of campus, right here, at Scholar’s Walk, that is kind of shocking.”
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Police say witnesses corroborate the victim’s story. She was taken to the hospital for a sexual assault exam. Roddey had a first appearance in court Friday; his father was with him. He remains behind bars with no bond.Β
