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Senior faces sexual battery charge, jail time

Bethany Bruner, News Editor

A Miami University senior is facing a sexual battery charge after allegations that he assaulted a woman he knew Oct. 29.

Antonio Charles, 21, was arrested Thursday night on one charge of sexual battery, a third degree felony.

The Oxford Police Department (OPD) reported that a 19-year-old Miami University student had reported a sexual assault that occurred Oct. 29 in Charles' residence on Elm Street. The victim named Charles as her assailant.

After an investigation by the OPD's Criminal Investigation Unit, Charles was arrested and taken to the Butler County Jail.

Charles was released Friday after posting $100,000 bond.

Charles is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing in Area I Court Thursday afternoon to determine if the case will be heard by a grand jury.

Butler County Assistant Prosecutor responsible for Area I Court Jessica Rodkey said the office would not comment on the case at this time out of respect for the victim's privacy.

Under Ohio law, Charles was charged with sexual battery according to section 2907.03A2 of the Ohio Revised Code. This states that "the offender knows that the other person's ability to appraise the nature of or control the other person's own conduct is substantially impaired."

Oxford Police Chief Robert Holzworth said the case is still under investigation and allegations against Charles from other women are "definitely a possibility."

If convicted, Charles faces up to one to five years in prison.

Associate Director of University Communications Claire Wagner said Charles could face repercussions from the university as well if convicted.

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"In general, if a student violated a law or the student code of conduct, which includes violating the law, they go through a judicial process on campus as well," Wagner said. "For serious crimes, being suspended is often involved."

The Miami University Code of Conduct says students arrested for a 1219 offense, which includes sexual battery, "are subject to immediate suspension from the university" following a hearing held no more than five days after the arrest. The code also says that any student convicted of a 1219 offense is subject to dismissal from the university.