Tucson, Ariz. – University of Arizona police obtained a search warrant for the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house at 1614 East 1st Street after a student reported a sexual assault that allegedly occurred late Aug. 25 or early Aug. 26. The alleged victim said she was with friends and at least two fraternity members when she woke up in a dark room without clothing, describing non‑consensual sexual activity.
Details of the alleged incident
The woman told investigators she tried to say “please stop,” but later could not recall whether she gave consent. She said she later awoke with one of the men, both naked, and that the man walked her back to her sorority house down the street. After calling her mother, she fell asleep again, woke five hours later, and reported the assault to the University of Arizona Police Department (UAPD). She was taken to a local hospital for a forensic exam, which supported some of her allegations.
According to the victim, she had consumed a tequila soda, two shots of tequila, and shared a cup of tequila with friends that night. On Aug. 28, she spoke with the man who escorted her back to the sorority. He admitted the two had sex but claimed there was no third man present. He said he was drunk and “fuzzy” about the events, asserting the woman said yes to sex and that he had told others about the encounter. Witnesses reported seeing the pair together throughout the night.
Medical findings and ongoing investigation
The victim reported a bruise on her throat and difficulty swallowing. Hospital testing indicated possible signs of strangulation. The UAPD and the university declined to comment on the active investigation, citing standard policy.
Fraternity response
Sigma Phi Epsilon’s national office released a statement emphasizing that the reported incident is being taken seriously. “We expect members to cooperate fully with any investigation,” the statement read. “Sexual misconduct has no place in SigEp and is fundamentally incompatible with our values of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love. Any member found to have violated the fraternity’s standards will be subject to appropriate accountability, up to and including expulsion.” The fraternity reiterated its commitment to a safe campus community.
Background on the chapter’s recent probation
In May 2026, the University of Arizona chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon was placed on a one‑year probation after a separate investigation alleged hazing practices, including sleep deprivation, forced alcohol consumption, kidnapping, forced calisthenics, and illegal drug use. The university’s Dean of Students Office ordered the chapter to attend a hazing workshop, conduct a member review, meet monthly with the national charter, and pay a fine of nearly $4,000. It remains unclear whether the probation restricts visitors or alcohol at the house.
Community concerns
Local residents and campus groups have expressed alarm over the repeated allegations involving the fraternity. While the investigation proceeds, university officials have pledged to prioritize student safety and to enforce existing policies against sexual misconduct and hazing.
For now, the case remains under investigation by the UAPD and university authorities. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
