University of Iowa investigating reports of fondling, theft on campus

IOWA CITY — University of Iowa investigators have identified individuals involved in multiple reports of fondling on the UI campus this week, describing them as juveniles “asking for hugs, grabbing people’s buttocks, and attempting to take items from victims.”

“This behavior is considered fondling, which is a form of sexual assault,” the UI Police Department reported in a sexual assault crime alert distributed to campus Thursday.

The incidents were reported in an east side residence hall on Tuesday and Wednesday. A UI police crime log shows two reports of fondling and another two reports of fondling involving theft between 7 and 10 p.m. on those days.

Although officers report having identified the individuals involved, they’re continuing to investigate and “taking additional steps to protect the campus community.”

The Thursday sexual assault alert is the second since the fall semester started Aug. 26.

The first came Monday about a reported fondling at Kinnick Stadium around 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, when the Hawkeyes were facing off against the Iowa State Cyclones.

No additional information was shared, and officers said they’re continuing to investigate.

According to its most recent annual crime statistics, UI police report a decrease in both on- and off-campus sex offenses — with total reports of rape dropping from 101 in 2021 to 22 in 2022, and reports of fondling falling from 39 in 2021 to 23 in 2022.

Vanessa Miller covers higher education for The Gazette.

Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com