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Alleged sexual assaults at Berkeley high

By David Scharfenberg, Daily Planet staff
Friday June 07, 2002

The Berkeley Police Department is investigating allegations of a sexual assault and an attempted sexual assault on the Berkeley High School campus, a department spokesperson said Thursday. 

Lieutenant Cynthia Harris said the attempted assault occurred May 30 and the actual assault reportedly happened Monday. She said she was unaware of any link between the two incidents. 

Harris said she was reluctant to provide any details when minors are involved, but said the department was aware of the individuals involved in the alleged Monday assault. 

“It’s under investigation and the charges are being taken seriously,” said Marian Magid, spokesperson for the Berkeley Unified School District, who declined to offer any more details. 

High school sources said they had heard conflicting stories about whether the sexual encounters were consensual or not. 

“I have confidence that the administration both at the site level and at the district level, and at the city level, will work cooperatively to investigate this matter and to take appropriate action based on their findings,” said Board of Education President Shirley Issel. 

“I would urge people to wait until we have the facts to react to,” she added. 

 

- Contact reporter at scharfenberg@berkeleydailyplanet.net