In February 2020, 26-year-old Zachary Madle, a graduate of Stockton University, pleaded guilty to charges of invasion of privacy and fourth-degree sexual contact. The charges stemmed from an incident in which Madle recorded a female student’s unconscious state in her dorm room without her consent in February 2017. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Madle received a sentence of five years probation and was not required to register as a sex offender.
The victim’s mother addressed Madle during the proceedings, stating, “You are a rapist and a thief. I believe you will rape again, and I will pray for your next victim.”
In addition to the criminal case, Madle faced civil lawsuits from the victim and another student, both alleging rape. These civil cases were reportedly settled.
Stockton University has faced scrutiny over its handling of sexual assault allegations. In July 2018, the university’s president addressed the community, expressing deep concern over several alleged sexual assaults involving former and current students. The statement emphasized the university’s commitment to transparency and support for victims, while acknowledging limitations in commenting on specific cases due to legal constraints.
Please note that legal proceedings and interpretations can vary; for the most current information, consult official court records or legal counsel.