Date: Wed, 2 Nov 2005 20:58:24 -0500
From: “Sam Sadler” wssadl@wm.edu
Subject: [students] A Message to the Community
To: students, faculty, staff

I regret to inform you that a William and Mary senior, Patrick M. Decker, was charged with rape on October 30, 2005, and arraigned today in Charles City County Court. Because the alleged incident occurred in Charles City County, it is under investigation by the Charles City County Sheriff’s Department. The victim was another student at the college.

On such an occasion, our first thoughts are for the alleged victim. As you would expect, we are doing all that we can to ensure that her immediate needs are being met and that she is given proper support.

It is important for everyone to remember that Patrick has only been charged with this crime. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

This is an occasion of extraordinary sadness for everyone involved. It is also a time of sadness for our entire community because I sincerely believe that what happens to one of us at William and Mary does affect us all.

Sam Sadler