Another parent gives additional $5,000; reward now sits at $55,000
U.Va. Alumni Association’s Parents’ Program Contributes  $30,000 To Reward For Arrest And Conviction Of Serial Rapist

October 26, 2005 -- The Parents’ Program of the University of Virginia Alumni Association today announced that the group was adding $30,000 to the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the serial rapist who is believed to be responsible for at least seven sexual assaults in the metropolitan area of Charlottesville over the past eight years. Some of the victims were University students. In addition, an anonymous alumni parent has given $5,000 to the Charlottesville Police Foundation’s Serial Rapist Reward fund.

These two contributions more than double the current reward, bringing it to $55,000.

The Parents’ Program, a group of non-alumni parents established in 1980 to enhance the student experience for all U.Va. students, has focused many of its efforts over the years on student safety and security. In its annual meeting in Charlottesville last week, where it decided which University projects and student programs to fund for the coming year, Jeff Hillebrand, co-chairman, said members once again voiced their concerns about student safety and asked what they could do. “It was suggested that we raise the visibility of these terrible incidents in an effort to assist police authorities in bringing about a resolution,” he said.  

The Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and University of Virginia Police departments are requesting the continued assistance of the public in the identification of the individual who has been genetically linked to the seven assaults. The most recent attack took place on Aug. 18, 2004 in Albemarle County.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact:

• University Police at (434) 924-7166;
• Crimestoppers at (434) 977-4000;
• Serial Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-866-405-2519;
• wanted@albemarle.org.

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If you would like to talk with someone about this announcement, the following people are available by phone.

• Jeff Hillebrand, co-chairman of the Parents' Program, can be reached for comment by calling (847) 977-5333.
• Chief Timothy Longo of the Charlottesville Police Department can be reached at (434) 970-3280.
• Chief Michael Gibson of the University of Virginia Police Department can be reached at (434) 924-7166.

Contact: Carol Wood, (434) 924-6189

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Contact the Office of University Relations at (434) 924-7116. Television reporters should contact the TV News Office at (434) 924-7550.

SOURCE: U.Va. News Services

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