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Women seek to hold Stockton University responsible in alleged rapes

Published  July 30, 2018 10:50pm EDT
U.S.
FOX 29 Philadelphia

NEW JERSEY (WTXF) - Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Stockton University after multiple female students claim they were sexually assaulted at an off campus fraternity house.

WARNING: The images are graphic

Bite marks and bruises--Attorney Robert Fuggi says this is photographic evidence of brutal sexual assaults on Stockton University freshmen during and after off campus fraternity parties.

"Bruises all over her body," Fuggi said.

Fuggi ​​​​​​says Stockton University and the national governing body of Pi Kappa Phi knew a branch of the fraternity that lost its affiliation 8 years ago was still operating off campus--throwing parties and hosting underage drinking.

"They would target freshmen women that were coming into this school because they didn't understand let's say the full environment of Stockton," Fuggi said.

Since early July, Fuggi has filed separate civil suits on behalf of 4 women who say they were drugged and raped by current and former Stockton students. The allegations date from 2014 to 2017 and name alumni and former pledges of the rogue frat. In the latest filing, Fuggi names a former pledge who was also a campus volunteer EMT. According to the suit, the house where the parties took place is 10 minutes from campus.

Stockton University countering that since Pi Kappa Phi lost its affiliation students have been advised against associating with them. Yet, Fuggi says the school knew the group posed a threat and did nothing and is therefore shares responsibility for the alleged assaults.

"Our information shows Stockton was well-aware of this fraternity. The fraternity brothers would wear their Greek letters on campus. They would have these Rush weeks where they would recruit people so they were fully operation and Stockton knew about this," Fuggi said.

A Stockton spokesperson referred us to a statement by University President Harvey Kesselman dated July 28th.In the statement, Kesselman writes he can't comment on pending litigation but says "…Stockton University is fully cooperating with all authorities and continues to remain steadfast in its comprehensive efforts to provide a safe and secure campus…"

National Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity released the following statement:

"Pi Kappa Phi closed its chapter at Stockton University in May 2010. At that time, all student members were directed to cease and desist any activities in the name of Pi Kappa Phi. The defendants named in this lawsuit are not members of Pi Kappa Phi. The fraternity does not have any further comment on the pending litigation."