Judge Edward Hogshire sentenced former University student William Beebe to 18 months of jail time yesterday for the aggravated sexual battery of College alumnae Elizabeth Seccuro. Beebe was immediately taken into custody following the hearing.
The incident occurred in 1984 at a rush event at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house. After meeting with several deans, Seccuro did not initially file criminal charges.
Seccuro has previously said she was told to drop the case during these meetings and has openly criticized the University's lack of involvement in her case.
The case was reopened in 2005 when Beebe sent a letter to Seccuro apologizing for the harm he had caused her as a part of the 12-step program for Alcoholics Anonymous. Seccuro said she then decided to press charges after much deliberation.
Beebe pleaded guilty to the charges last November. According to Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Claude V. Worrell, II, the defendant should have been jailed for two years.
"This is a sexual assault where Mr. Beebe took advantage of a helpless person," Worrell said. "What's important to the Commonwealth is that Elizabeth finds some form of justice."
Beebe's defense attorney Rhonda Quagliana said justice is possible with a complete suspension of all possible jail time.
"The fact that he is going to be labeled a sexual offender ... is a terrible stigma to carry with you for the rest of your life," Quagliana said. "Mr. Beebe should be required to accept responsibility for what he did, and he does."
Beebe said he has changed from the boy who committed the crime into a man who dedicatedly follows the tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous.
"In adopting a new way of life [through AA] I have a purpose and that gives life meaning," Beebe said.
Hogshire noted the complications of the case and the challenge "to balance all the factors."
"It is not a minor thing [Beebe's crime]; it's a horrific thing that she's been through," Hogshire said. "That fact that he came forward to admit his wrongdoing is admirable. I don't think the court system should discourage that."
He also emphasized that Beebe's punishment "should be on condition of significant community service," noting that part of Beebe's sentence is 500 hours of service dedicated to sexual assault education on college campuses, likely including the University's.
Seccuro spoke briefly after the hearing.
"I very much look forward to continuing my life," Seccuro said. "The past 18 months have obviously depleted me. My work as an advocate has just begun."
Seccuro also criticized the University's role in the case.
"Your silence is deafening. You should know the damage you have done," she said. "How many students will have to be embarrassed before you do something?"
She added she has forgiven Beebe but not the University for its lack of involvement in her case.
University spokesperson Carol Wood said Seccuro "is a courageous woman who is determined to see this through. And today justice was served on her behalf."
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