Cosby case dismissed
A judge dismissed the first-degree sex abuse case against Atilla Cosby, a transfer student slated to join the basketball team early next year, at a D.C. Superior Court preliminary hearing July 7.
The charge stemmed from accusations made to Metropolitan Police by a 46-year-old woman that Cosby sexually assaulted her in his Guthridge Hall room early May 15.
In the affadavit in support of a warrant for Cosby’s arrest, the woman alleged that Cosby forced her to perform oral sex on him at gunpoint. She also alleged that Cosby sodomized her with a broomstick.
The alleged victim did not show up for the preliminary hearing and could not be located by MPD following the initial charges. An MPD officer testified that the woman said she smoked crack cocaine an hour before Cosby picked her up in his car at the corner of New Jersey and P streets in Northwest.
Cosby took the stand, testifying that while he received oral sex from the woman, the act was consensual. He testified that the woman’s sexual proposition first made him curious, but he said he was grossed out when he noticed the woman was bleeding from her groin.
Right now I’m glad it’s over, Cosby said after exiting the courtroom. I just want to put all of this behind me.
Cosby’s attorney, Billy Martin, said he was pleased with the outcome of the hearing.
I’m not surprised, Martin said. The government had no evidence. I’m sorry Atilla exercised poor judgment in agreeing to let her perform oral sex on him.
University officials declined to use their legal power to inform students about Cosby’s Student Judicial Services hearing, his status as a student and his eligibility to live in GW residence halls.
We do what we always do . we’re not releasing any personally identifying information, Dean of Students Linda Donnels said after the hearing when asked about the status Cosby’s status as a student.
The 1998 Higher Education Amendments allow universities to disclose the results of disciplinary hearings of students who allegedly committed a violent crime.
In their search of Cosby’s Guthridge Hall room MPD officials found a gun lock, but no gun.
King visits GW
GW President Steven Joel Trachtenberg presented His Majesty Mohammed IV, the King of Morocco, with an honorary doctorate of law before a crowded Marvin Center Ballroom at Convocation June 22.
Addressing the crowd, Mohammed said he hopes to enhance the longstanding Moroccan-American relationship, which has found a common bond in liberty, justice and solidarity.
Let us work together to strengthen democracies, he said.
GW has a special relationship with Morocco’s Al-Akhawayn University and the University wanted to honor the country’s king, Trachtenberg said.
This is a wonderful opportunity for us to reinforce our standing commitment with Morocco, Trachtenberg said.
The universities established an exchange program after Trachtenberg visited Morocco about two years ago.
The program sends GW professors and students to Morocco to Al-Khawayn, where classes are taught in English. In addition, Moroccan students and professors study at GW.
This is the high point of a working relationship between (GW and Al-Akhawayn) that began some two years ago, Trachtenberg said in his introduction to Mohammed IV.
Student activist dies
GW student Tom Weaver, known by family and friends for his love of politics, government and campus life, died July 1 after losing a battle with cancer.
A former freshman representative and co-director of political affairs for the GW College Republicans, Weaver was active with the CRs for more than a year and a half, before leaving school shortly before Thanksgiving in 1999 for medical treatment.
A funeral was held July 6 in Weaver’s hometown of Foxboro, Mass.
Bill Eldridge, chair of the CRs, said the organization is planning a fundraiser in honor of Tom this fall. Eldridge said details of the fundraiser have not yet been worked out, but they are thinking about hosting a basketball tournament.
Weaver’s father, Tom, said his son enjoyed playing basketball in his free time.
He played high school basketball and did a lot of coaching for little kids, Weaver’s father said. He was trying to find some time to do that in D.C.
Weaver said his son developed a love for politics and government during in fifth grade. For his birthday present that year, Weaver said his son told him he wanted to take a trip to Washington, D.C.
Weaver played a central role in planning many events, including Rep. Bob Barr’s address at GW Sept. 29. One of the group’s most popular events, Barr’s speech was attended by over 150 students.
GW junior Kelly Pearson said Tom’s friends will remember his unique charm.
He was pretty much one of the most amazing people I knew, she said. He was charming and had best smile in the entire world.
-Compiled by Hatchet staff writers
