The Hanover Police arrested a male member of the class of 2016 on Wednesday and charged him with four counts of aggravated sexual assault.
The student, Parker Gilbert '16, allegedly entered the unlocked dorm room of a female student early in the morning of May 2 and raped her. Hanover Police suspect Gilbert recently attacked at least one additional female.
Gilbert was arrested at his dorm room Wednesday after a female student filed a police report on Monday, Hanover Police Lieutenant Michael Evans said. Upon his arrest, officers searched Gilbert's room for evidence and are planning to conduct additional searches. Evans declined to provide details about the ongoing investigation.
Gilbert and the female student were "at least acquaintances" and had possibly only met the night before, Evans said.
In an email sent to campus Wednesday evening, Safety and Security director Harry Kinne said Hanover Police informed Safety and Security of the arrest on Wednesday afternoon.
Gilbert was arraigned in the New Hampshire 2nd Circuit Court in Lebanon, where his bail was set at $75,000. He was then transferred to Grafton County jail.
A probable cause hearing is scheduled for May 20 at the 2nd Circuit Court.
If convicted, Gilbert could be sentenced to seven and a half to 15 years for each sexual assault count.
Media relations director Justin Anderson said in an email that the College does not comment on ongoing criminal investigations, but added that Dartmouth takes all sexual assault allegations and investigations seriously.
"We are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and have implemented numerous new and strengthened initiatives over the past few years to reduce incidents of sexual assault, hold accountable those found responsible and offer as much support and care as we can to survivors," he said.
According to Clery Act data, there were 15 reported forcible sexual assault offenses at the College in 2011. Twenty-two reports were filed in 2010 and 10 were filed in 2009.
Last year, the College's Sexual Assault Awareness Program coordinators saw about 80 people, including friends and partners of victims, to discuss sexual assault cases.
A Justice Department study from 2000 found that 95 percent of sexual assaults go unreported.
Gilbert, a freshman from London, is a member of the men's rugby team.
Associate athletic director for club sports and intramurals Joann Brislin declined to comment.
Gilbert, men's rugby interim head coach Gavin Hickie and Hanover Police Chief Nicholas Giaccone could not be reached for comment by press time.
