MADISON, WI — University of Wisconsin-Madison police say they are actively investigating three reported sexual assault cases tied to campus in the past two weeks. One of the cases was included in a Crime Warning sent to students on Sept. 4, and officers said they are still trying to gather more information because it was reported by a third party.
That newer report involves an alleged assault in a southeast residence hall. UW Police Department officials said they have not released additional identifying details and are continuing to look into the circumstances.
Crime warning sent after latest reported assault in southeast residence hall
UWPD’s Sept. 4 warning told students about a reported sexual assault from the previous week. The department said the incident took place in a southeast residence hall on campus.
Because the report came from someone other than the person directly involved, police said they are still working to confirm details. UWPD asked anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
The university warning is part of the department’s effort to alert students when it learns of serious safety concerns that may affect the campus community.
Two men face tentative charges after assault at Goodspeed Family Pier
Another case last week involved a transgender woman who was assaulted at the Goodspeed Family Pier, according to police. UWPD said Yorfred Marcano Gutierrez and Arturo Santos Albujas were tied to the attack.
Police reported tentative charges of second-degree sexual assault, strangulation and suffocation, battery and false imprisonment. Both men are being held in the Dane County Jail, and preliminary hearings are set for Sept. 8.
The case has drawn attention because of the range of charges filed so far and the fact that the suspects remain in custody while the case moves toward court.
Aug. 21 assault near west campus adds to the string of reports
The third report came to UWPD on Aug. 24 and involved a second-degree assault near west campus. Police said the assault itself happened on Aug. 21.
In that case, the victim and suspect were known to one another, according to a UWPD Crime Warning sent to students. Officers said the incident is still under active investigation.
That report, paired with the two more recent campus cases, is why UWPD has been circulating warnings and asking the university community to stay alert to safety updates.
Police ask for tips, videos and other evidence
UWPD said people with information about the assaults should contact the department’s non-emergency line at (608) 264-2677. Officers also asked for any videos or other material that could help investigators piece together what happened.
Requests for video can be especially important in cases reported by third parties or cases involving crowded campus spaces, where surveillance or bystander footage may help confirm timing and locations.
Police did not say whether any additional arrests have been made in the other two investigations.
Campus resources available for students seeking support
University Health Services is directing students who need help to its crisis line at (608) 265-5600, option 9. The university said student support and community resources remain available.
Those services can be especially important after an assault warning reaches campus, both for people directly affected and for classmates who may need counseling or guidance on where to turn.
UWPD’s notices were sent to keep students informed while investigators work the three separate cases, including the newest report from a southeast residence hall and the earlier incidents near west campus and the Goodspeed Family Pier.
What is known so far about the three investigations
So far, the cases stretch across different parts of campus and involve different stages of the criminal process. One case has tentative charges and a pending court date, while two others remain under active investigation by campus police.
UWPD has not said whether the incidents are connected. For now, officers are treating each report separately and continuing to ask the public for information that could help clarify what happened in each one.
The department’s warnings and updates show how quickly campus police are moving to notify students when serious allegations surface, even while investigators are still sorting out the facts.
Local news that matters, from Dulaney Griffin.
