Two University student-athletes were arrested early yesterday morning in connection with an altercation that occurred earlier this month at the Delta Upsilon fraternity house.
The incident occurred March 3 after individuals entered a private gathering being held at the house, were asked to leave and then returned to the house, at which time an altercation ensued.
The Charlottesville Police Department reported that first-year College students Michael Brown and Michael Giallombardo have been accused of breaking and entering with the intent to commit assault, a felony charge that carries possible jail time, as well as the misdemeanor charge of entering the property of another with the intent of damaging property.
Ric Barrick, director of communications for the City of Charlottesville, said the felony charge was issued "because of the number of people involved and the actions of the individuals."
According to Rich Murray, athletics department media relations director, both Brown, a varsity football player, and Giallombardo, a varsity soccer player, have athletic scholarships at the University.
"We're aware of the charges," Executive Associate Director of Athletics Jon Oliver said in a press release. "We're going to meet with both student-athletes and the head coaches from both programs to determine what happens to the student-athletes pending the outcome of the criminal process. Until we do that, we haven't taken any action with the student-athletes."
Charlottesville Police Sgt. Richard Hudson said Brown and Giallombardo were released on $2,500 personal recognizance bonds after meeting with a judge yesterday morning.
The students will next face preliminary trial proceedings for the felony charges as well as a trial before a judge for the misdemeanor charge, he said.
Hudson added that "the investigation is proceeding, and it's a work in progress."
Barrick stated that police believe more individuals may be involved.
"The investigation is definitely still pending. According to some investigators, a lot of witnesses haven't been truthful in some of their answers," he said. "[Police] are giving them the opportunity to step up to the plate before they take the process any further; they hope they will take advantage of that."
University officials support this request.
"There is a criminal investigation underway, and the cooperation of our students with the Charlottesville police is urged and supported," said Aaron Laushway, associate dean of students and director of fraternity and sorority life.
According to Barrick, the arrests followed information gained during interviews with Delta Upsilon brothers and other individuals involved in the incident.
"We're cooperating fully with the University, and we've been very pleased with the University's and the police's response," Delta Upsilon President John Bannard said. "Other than that we are primarily concerned with the safety of our brothers and the safety of our brothers' guests."
Hudson urges anyone with additional information to contact him at the Charlottesville Police Department.
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