Virginia Tech Police announce arrest in sexual battery case

On Friday, Jan. 20, the Virginia Tech Police Department received a report from a student of a sexual battery that reportedly occurred sometime during the fall semester on the university’s Blacksburg, Virginia campus.

Based upon the information provided by the student, officers from the Virginia Tech Police Department were able to identify a suspect in this matter and obtain warrants. Police arrested William T. Gillespie of Chesapeake, Virginia, at his residence hall without incident. Gillespie is charged with one count in violation of Virginia Code § 18.2-67.4: Sexual battery, a class one misdemeanor. Gillespie appeared before the magistrate and was released on a $2,500 unsecured bond.

“I am very proud of the immediacy of the actions on the part of the officers who investigated this matter,” said Virginia Tech Police Chief Kevin Foust. “This is a fine example of the seriousness by which Virginia Tech identifies and responds to reports of sexual battery, sexual, and other related criminal matters. Virginia Tech never has and never will tolerate such criminal behavior. Much more than that, I am also very proud of the student who came forth to make the report. Sexual battery is a crime and should not be tolerated. The decision to come forth and report to the authorities is never easy. This student did a brave thing.”

Survivors of sexual assault are never responsible for the offenders' behavior and the police department encourages all community members to be active in supporting a safe and respectful community. If you see others engaging in disrespectful or inappropriate actions, speak up and get involved, or contact someone else to assist.

More information about preventing and reporting sexual assault  is available online.

Anyone who might have any information regarding this matter is encouraged to contact the Virginia Tech Police Department at 540-382-4343.