The State Police placed seven troopers on paid suspension yesterday as authorities investigate claims by a 25-year-old Rider University student that one or more of the men sexually assaulted her late last week.
State Police Superintendent Rick Fuentes authorized the suspensions pending the outcome of a probe by the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, said Capt. Albert Della Fave, a State Police spokesman. No charges have been filed, and the names of the suspended troopers were not released.
Six of the troopers were suspended early in the day yesterday. The seventh was placed on suspension last night, Della Fave said. He provided no explanation for the additional suspension or its timing.
The prosecutor's office has provided few details about the incident, saying only that the woman contends she was assaulted in the early morning hours Friday at a home in Ewing Township. Several men, including one or more of the off-duty state troopers, took part in the attack, she told investigators.
Two law enforcement officials familiar with the allegations said the woman met the troopers Thursday night at KatManDu, a nightclub and bar on the Trenton waterfront, and accompanied them to the Ewing residence.
The officials requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the case.
Hours later, the woman sought treatment at a local hospital, which contacted police on her behalf.
Assistant Prosecutor Angelo Onofri, a spokesman for Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph Bocchini, said yesterday the office's entire sexual assault unit was at work on the case.
"The matter is being aggressively and thoroughly investigated," Onofri said. "There are senior investigators assigned to the case. And the prosecutor has made it clear that whatever resources are needed, they will be available." He said the fact that state troopers have been accused will have no bearing on the probe.
David Jones, president of the State Troopers Fraternal Association, said in a statement the union takes the allegations seriously and that officials have "implored those concerned to cooperate fully."
"We emphasize that this matter does not directly relate to our members' duties, nor are there any representations of this touching on the colors of anyone's office," the statement said. "We pray for a speedy resolution of this matter for the sake of all concerned."
In a brief interview, Jones called it highly unusual for the troopers to be suspended with pay, saying suspensions are typically unpaid.
"I personally know of no other circumstances where that happened," he said.
Asked about the allegations yesterday, Gov. Jon Corzine said he was hesitant to comment because of the ongoing investigation.
"I think, like everyone, if the allegations were true, you'd be deeply disturbed," he said.
KatManDu, the club where the woman met the troopers, is a popular gathering spot for area college students. Thursday nights are designated "School Dayz" events, with $1 bottles of beer and free entry for women carrying college ID.
The club's marketing director, Joe Surdo, declined to comment yesterday.
On Rider's Lawrenceville campus yesterday, many students were unaware of the alleged attack, saying they had been preparing for final exams.
"Obviously, if it's true, it's horrible," said student Mike Yellen, 25, of Hightstown. "But no charges have been filed, so who knows how it's going to turn out?"
Graduate student Mary Buchanan, 22, of Lambertville, said the most troubling part of the woman's account is the alleged law enforcement involvement.
"It's scary," Buchanan said, "if it's true."
Staff writers Rudy Larini and Josh Margolin contributed to this report.
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