San Luis Obispo police officers have arrested a Cal Poly student in connection with a sexual assault case at the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity on May 7.
Joseph Trupiano, 23, came into the police department with his lawyer at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, according to a San Luis Obispo Police Department (SLOPD) press release. Trupiano, a Cal Poly agribusiness senior, is also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, according to the fraternity’s website.
According to the release, Trupiano was identified as the suspect in the case by SLOPD detectives during their investigation. He was taken into custody at the police department and brought to the San Luis Obispo County jail. There, Trupiano was booked for sexual assault. His bail was set at $100,000.
Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity has been sanctioned by the university and the fraternity headquarters, and is not allowed to continue any activities until further notice.
Although an arrest was made, there are still questions about how Cal Poly’s greek life will work to prevent further instances of sexual assault.
Shawn Burn, a Cal Poly psychology professor and Sexual Assault-Free Environment Resource (SAFER) adviser, said she is interested to see what steps Cal Poly’s fraternities and sororities will take to raise awareness of sexual assaults.
“Incidents such as the one on Saturday night contribute to negative stereotypes of our fraternities and should motivate honorable fraternity men to join the sexual assault prevention fight,” Burn said. “We need a greater commitment from our Greek community to sexual assault prevention.”
Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong issued an email response today, voicing his concerns and plans to get to the root of the alleged rape at the fraternity as well as the alleged rape reported Thursday by a young woman living in Poly Canyon Village. In his email, Armstrong wrote that the campus should “strive to learn from this incident” and in a phone interview said he is “shocked and dismayed” by both incidences.
Why is there not a bunch of comments on this?!?!?! FUCK SIG EP, maybe that’s why they don’t let people into their house, cause they don’t want people to see them raping people!!
Your comment seems pretty immature if you think thats why they did not let you in. This is a serious matter and no one needs to hear you cry because they did not think you were the right fit. They probably didnt let you in because of this immaturity you seem to have…
This is a horrible incident and there should be no doubt in the punishment for this heinous crime. However, those of you that voice your negative generalizations of Greek Life and SigEp are ignorant and worthless fools. You have no right to say these things with any merit. I am from the North Dakota Alpha Chapter of SigEp and by generalizing all chapters, including mine, you are in fact hating all that is righteous in this country. You have no idea of the good I or thousands of other Greeks have done for their campus, community, and country in the name of their Chapter. Your generalizations are not constructive and ostracize those of us that are truly good people. I dare you cowards that hide behind your computer spewing hate to come to my Chapter and witness our positive impact. Give us a chance and we can change the bias of any ignorant fool.
North Dakota isn’t SLO buddy. Sig Ep and Greek Life at Poly is a lot different too, but by having so many chapters, you run the risk of ruining your national reputation. You’re the ignorant one for thinking Sig Ep in North Dakota and the people there are the same as California. Go away.
North Dakota isn’t SLO buddy. Sig Ep and Greek Life at Poly is a lot different too, but by having so many chapters, you run the risk of ruining your national reputation. You’re the ignorant one for thinking Sig Ep in North Dakota and the people there are the same as California. Go away.
D, what are you talking about? I am referring to the original comment by “WHy” that generalized SigEp. “WHy” slandered all houses with their comment (Go read it). In summary, I replied to their comment saying that they shouldn’t cuss out SigEp in general because they don’t know all of us…or the difference in chapter house cultures like you suggested. Go away? I’ve lived in Cali for 16 years now and I go to school in ND. I’ve visited SLO three times and the SigEp house there twice. I know the difference.
D, what are you talking about? I am referring to the original comment by “WHy” that generalized SigEp. “WHy” slandered all houses with their comment (Go read it). In summary, I replied to their comment saying that they shouldn’t cuss out SigEp in general because they don’t know all of us…or the difference in chapter house cultures like you suggested. Go away? I’ve lived in Cali for 16 years now and I go to school in ND for going on four. I’ve visited SLO three times and the SigEp house there twice. I know the difference.
While the mustangdaily article appears to have been written with a little more care, other media outlets in SLO have been reporting this incident as if the suspect has already been convicted. President Armstrong’s e-mail vehemently attacks the suspects with a complete disregard for the legal principle of due process. Clearly, if the student has turned himself in before a full investigation, he has little to hide. Absolutely no evidence has emerged about the incident and yet the whole campus is pointing fingers and crying “rape!” What happened to the idea of innocent until proven guilty?
I absolutely agree with Anonymous! There are two sides to every story…let’s hear BOTH sides before pointing fingers and condemning!
Innocent until proven guilty! It’s a constitutional right…have you all forgotten that??
You would think that the president of the university would be educated enough to remember that…if not I worry about the future of academics at Cal Poly with Mr. Armstrong at the helm!!!
I absolutely agree with Anonymous! There are two sides to every story…let’s hear BOTH sides before pointing fingers and condemning!
Innocent until proven guilty! It’s a constitutional right…have you all forgotten that??
You would think that the president of the university would be educated enough to remember that…if not I worry about the future of academics at Cal Poly with Mr. Armstrong at the helm!!!
I absolutely agree with Anonymous! There are two sides to every story…let\’s hear BOTH sides before pointing fingers and condemning!
Innocent until proven guilty! It\’s a constitutional right…have you all forgotten that??
You would think that the president of the university would be educated enough to remember that…if not I worry about the future of academics at Cal Poly with Mr. Armstrong at the helm!!!
I absolutely agree. I think he wants to prove to the Cal Poly Community that he will react more quickly to situations than President Baker did. This led him to send out a message that he should have waited on. I think he needed a little more time to think about these alleged incidents before sending out a thoughtless message.
I’d also like to point out that the police report, emailed to more than 20,000 students, included Sig Ep’s address, after which countless cars have been vandalized in the parking lot. This fraternity’s reputation has gone through irreparable damage and the case has not even gone to court yet. Its sad to say that this fraternity is facing being kicked off campus irregardless if these allegations are true or false because of all of the media attention. Lets face it- the community and faculty at Cal Poly hate Greek life, and even if Joe is acquitted of all charges, I wouldn’t be surprised if this fraternity looses its charter. This is a sad time for Greek life and the Greek community and its important that we support Sig Ep through this hard time. In no way am I downplaying the seriousness of the situation, coming forward as a victim of sexual assault is extremely difficult- but like it was said above, “innocent until proven guilty”.
haha you gotta be kidding me, support sig ep in this hard time??.. that’s midblowing that literally that is your take on the situation. Frats are mainly for spoiled brats who have no real life/social skill, so the only way they can socialize is when they become too inoxicated in condensed spaces with other people in the same life situations. It’s sad, maybe you people should stop raping girls!!
To Wow:
Like I’ve said above, generalizing is foolish and fails to be constructive. Wow, you fall into the category of losers that have no merit to discuss this topic because of the ignorance that blinds your logic. You say, ” Frats are mainly for spoiled brats who have no real life/social skill, so the only way they can socialize is when they become too inoxicated in condensed spaces with other people in the same life situations.” How dare you say such a ridiculous statement. If anything, we have more real life/social skill than YOU. For example, I am a 3rd year Resident Assistant, Student Aviation Advisory Council Peer Supporter, Emerging Leader’s Director, Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Beta Lambda, and Mortar Board member. And guess what, I am also a proud senior member of Sigma Phi Epsilon NDA Chapter. I dare you to tell me to my face that I have no life. I have responsible fun all while having great respect for women. Keep your stupid generalizations to yourself. I am living an honorable life as a Greek Life member and I will defend SigEp to my grave because of the good we have done for each other and our community. I won’t be idle while people like you dishonor my virtuous brothers and I. I will do good in this world with the help of my brothers and I will laugh at you.
wait… don’t be all bitter because you obviously did not get accepted into Greek like..
wait… don’t be all bitter because you obviously did not get accepted into Greek like..
I’d also like to point out that the police report, emailed to more than 20,000 students, included Sig Ep’s address, after which countless cars have been vandalized in the parking lot. This fraternity’s reputation has gone through irreparable damage and the case has not even gone to court yet. Its sad to say that this fraternity is facing being kicked off campus irregardless if these allegations are true or false because of all of the media attention. Lets face it- the community and faculty at Cal Poly hate Greek life, and even if Joe is acquitted of all charges, I wouldn’t be surprised if this fraternity looses its charter. This is a sad time for Greek life and the Greek community and its important that we support Sig Ep through this hard time. In no way am I downplaying the seriousness of the situation, coming forward as a victim of sexual assault is extremely difficult- but like it was said above, "innocent until proven guilty".
Id also like to point out that the police report, emailed to more than 20,000 students, included Sig Eps address, after which countless cars have been vandalized in the parking lot. This fraternitys reputation has gone through irreparable damage and the case has not even gone to court yet. Its sad to say that this fraternity is facing being kicked off campus irregardless if these allegations are true or false because of all of the media attention. Lets face it- the community and faculty at Cal Poly hate Greek life, and even if Joe is acquitted of all charges, I wouldnt be surprised if this fraternity looses its charter. This is a sad time for Greek life and the Greek community and its important that we support Sig Ep through this hard time. In no way am I downplaying the seriousness of the situation, coming forward as a victim of sexual assault is extremely difficult- but like it was said above, innocent until proven guilty.
Exactly, the damage that has been done to the fraternity men is irreversible and uncalled for. Innocent until proven guilty is right. My heart goes out to Joe and the men of SigEp.
There was no rape. There was a party, a drunk Cuesta girl who slept with three guys that night. Joe being the one to use a condom and make sure she was ok until morning. Anyone who had known Joe – is 100% this is not something that is in his make up. Shame on the drunk Cuesta girl. who was dumped by her boyfriend two days earler, feeling she needed to go out and show him…No rape, false acusations, come on frat boys, you knew what happened and which of you slept with this broad. Shame on you for being afraid to come forward and support your fellow frat brother Joe! This could of easliy happened to any one of you!
It seriously disgusts me. Joe is a respectful and kind young man. I am sure once trials begin there will be plenty of men and women alike standing up for him. He does not deserve this.
It seriously disgusts me. Joe is a respectful and kind young man. I am sure once trials begin there will be plenty of men and women alike standing up for him. He does not deserve this. So sad.
Yeah, shame on her for maybe the choices (going out, drinking to the point of passing out, sleeping with other guys as a mean to get over her breakup) but it still does NOT justify the guy raping her. Plain and simple, he shouldn’t have done it if he’s such a “respectful young man”. That is not respecting a girl.
A girl throws herself at you and now you face the possibility of being labeled a sex offender for the rest of your life? i understand that the entire situation is irresponsible…but on BOTH parties. The girl needs to take responsibility for her actions….not just feel stupid once her ex confronts her and then decides to ruin a man’s life just to save face with her ex. If having sex drunk is rape then I’m pretty sure the majority of students at Cal Poly have been raped.
The “victim’s” name was not released. The “accused” name should not be released either…not until all the evidence is in.
This young man’s reputation is forever tarnished! If he is found innocent (as I think will be the case), will they release the “victim’s” name and drag her through the mud for making false accusations? It seems only fair!
President Armstrong, Will “your heart go out” to the young who has been falsely accused of this when the truth comes out? And will you condemn the young lady that has made these false accusations? I really hope you think about this…you don’t know any of these individuals personally and you weren’t there…how are you so certain of who is telling the truth or what happened? You are in a position of authority and your response to this situation was totally irresponsible!
FYI:
http://davismaar.org/definition.htm
If you’ll notice, both 3 and 4 clearly articulate that regardless of details, an intoxicated woman cannot, ever, legally give consent.
It is never the survivor’s fault, and frankly Kim, your comment is disgusting. Instead of attacking the victim’s character (which is completely pointless and cruel), let’s learn from this and educate each other.
As a survivor of a sexual assault that happened at a Cal Poly fraternity party, and who was not courageous enough to press charges, I commend the strength of the women who continue to step forward and report their attackers.
I continue to talk to the men in my life about knowing when a woman can give consent, and when she cannot. And I hope that you all will do the same.
this is unreal! hilarious how brainwashed the greeks are.
Hi OMG,
I am confused about your comment. How is Carrie brainwashed? And I do not find her comment hilarious at all. I think she is stating a valid point about sexual assault. You should click on the link and educate yourself.
FYI:
http://davismaar.org/definition.htm
If you will notice, both 3 and 4 clearly articulate that regardless of details, an intoxicated woman cannot, ever, legally give consent.
It is never the survivor’s fault, and frankly Kim, your comment is disgusting. Instead of attacking the victim’s character (which is completely pointless and cruel), let’s learn from this and educate each other.
As a survivor of a sexual assault- that happened at a Cal Poly fraternity party, and who was not courageous enough to press charges, I commend the strength of the women who continue to step forward and report their attackers.
I continue to talk to the men in my life about knowing when a woman can give consent, and when she cannot. And I hope that you all will do the same.
So a drunk woman is never able to give consent, but a drunk man is always capable of giving consent? This is so backwards. So if they were both right neither of them gave consent…so who raped who?
Drunk* not right..
Wouldn’t that be something. If men and women were considered so equally powerful and so equally vulnerable that women were equally capable of raping men.
Carrie:
I would appreciate it if you could help me try to understand your comments. Are you generalizing and ASSuming that women are incapable of raping men? No doubt at all? There is never a situation when this is possible? If so, your thinking is very limited. I hope you never enter law.
Dre,
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=what+percentage+of+rapists+are+women%3F
Carrie did not say that it was “never” possible. But let’s talk about statistics. 98-99% of rapists are men (depending on which site you read). Key word was “equally.”
Dre,
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=what+percentage+of+rapists+are+women%3F
Carrie did not say that it was never possible. But let’s talk about statistics. 98-99% of rapists are men (depending on which site you read). Key word was equally.
Sounds like Carrie is one of the other guys who raped the girl and is trying to cover it up
I left Cal Poly in 1985-several of my friends went to frat parties and were plied with alcohol-three girls were groped by frat members when they thought the girls were passed out-it is a thing that has gone one since at least 1979 and were not reported. Young girls out there-IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT AND REPORT THIS IMMEDIATELY!!!
Dre I believe that you and through your frat did a lot of good for and in your community, but the actual concern right now is this young man’s future life that has been ruined by all that! He’s only 23 and promissed to do great things, now things were messed up, and his name and for god’s sake his picture are all over the place, drag in the mud!! He does not deserve that!!! I know him and have for a long time now… I’m disgusted!!! How can someone ruine someone else’s life!!??? he IS a great man!!! An always will be! And I agree with KIM 100%!
As do I! My heart goes out to him and his family.
Let’s not forget that you can not give consent while intoxicated. Joe was also drunk, so both parties are equally guilty of rape. If Joe is punished for this, the “survivor” deserves equal punishment.
That’s easily the most disgusting comment I’ve seen on this matter. You are so incorrect that it makes me appalled to share a school with you.
You obviously have no idea how consent works. YES, you cannot legally consent to sex while intoxicated, but an individual IS legally responsible for their actions regardless of their mental state. There is no gray zone here. If you have sex with someone that cannot consent, YOU ARE RAPING THEM.
If you feel like drinking may lower your inhibitions to the point where there’s a chance you may have the uncontrollable urge to force your penis into someone without their legal consent, then YOU need to take a few proactive steps and not drink.
Exactly….so if they both were drunk neither of them gave consent. everyone saying that it is so cut and dry and that legally you cannot give consent while intoxicated. It isn’t as simple as that. We don’t know who initiated the supposed rape. For all we know she could have been the one unzipping his pants.
The thing is, the law (according to the link Carrie posted… It’s acctually worth reading) doesn’t say you can’t give consent if you are intoxicated. It says, and I quote “Where a person is prevented from resisting by any intoxicating or anesthetic substance, or any controlled substance, and this condition was known, or reasonably should have been known by the accused.” So, a drunken consent is still a consent, however if someone becomes too drunk to move or passes out, then it isn’t consent.
Of course, I am not a lawer and this is not legal advice. And, you are still an asshole if you are getting people drunk so they can sleep with you, regardless of the legality of your actions.
Let’s not forget that you can not give consent while intoxicated. Joe was also drunk, so both parties are equally guilty of rape. If Joe is punished for this, the “survivor” should also be punished.
I haven’t seen any reports stating that Joe felt sexually assaulted or raped. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong….
You won’t hear that story for a number of reasons. For one, joe’s lawyer knows that there is no way making those kind of accusations would be in the benefit of his client. The public simply woudn’t accept that story, regardless of whether it is true or false.
Or perhaps joe feels that the act was consensual, and therefore doesn’t feel violated at all by the act. I wouldn’t know, i wasn’t there. I’m assuming you weren’t there, so you don’t know what happened either. I’m willing to bet that both parties have at best a hazy recollection of the event, assuming either of them remember anything at all.
The point that i and “supporter of equal rights” are trying to make is that this is not a cut or dry case of “pop out of the bushes” rape where one party is clearly at fault. It is entirely possible that neither party is at fault because both parties made a mutually bad decision while under the influence.
Exactly. Especially in a rape case, people are very quick in making assumptions. It is very unfortunate that an individual who is ACCUSED of such an act is immediately chastised, regardless of innocence or guilt. Innocent until proven guilty, let the court decide.
A friend of mine had consensual sex with a female at a party, both heavily intoxicated. Said female had a bf, so in order to avoid that whole issue, she claimed she was raped. My friend was eventually acquitted. You never know.
Thank you! We aren’t trying to “blame the victim” just saying that it’s possible that there may not even be a victim in this case. And if that is true then Joe has been made into a victim by having his life ruined because of a bad decision that could easily be placed equally on both parties involved. This is not a clear cut case, and as other have mentioned before…the courts will decide.
Are you guys forgetting that the report states she was UNCONSCIOUS? If they released that they found drugs in her system, he is screwed no matter what.
I posted this elsewhere, but I find it incredibly difficult to believe that anyone who would turn himself in willingly would also perpetrate sexual assault against an unresponsive, unconscious female. I think when UPD says “unconscious” they actually mean “blacked out,” which makes far more sense.
Where are you pulling drugs out of this? Do you have a credible source for that accusation?
I took the time to call UPD about the term “intoxicated and unconscious.” I was informed that the unconscious part meant that she was what is called black out. She is awake, but is not “aware of her environment.” You know where you are and what you are doing, but are still considered unconscious.
i’m not saying i have a source that says anything about drugs in her system. just saying it could be possible and they have not released anything. Apparently the suspect’s arraignment is tomorrow so we’ll see what happens.
This argument could go on and on , but the simple truth is that these things happen because people are irresponsible. If you want to avoid these situations, drink responsibly, keep your pants zipped and your clothes on!
Don’t go looking for casual sex! End of story.
Who cares about this fraternity. There’s more to life than a bunch of spoiled rich frat guys who obliviously know their chapter is coming to an end. I was a former member in 2003 and regret ever joining. I am glad Cal Poly is finally regulating on these tools.
Nick, I care about this Fraternity. I care about SigEp with all my heart because I know the good nationals and my chapter has done. However, I’m not so sure about the SLO Chapter. YOU of all people should care. The culture was influenced by older members like you, aka alumni. You said you are a former member of that chapter. Alumni must take a more active role and make strong recruiting standards. How dare you say you regret joining! You should be saying that you regret not doing enough to build a positive and safe culture at that chapter. It is the responsibility of YOU and the other SLO alumni. At one point, I’m sure you had say in which members joined. When did the chapter start lowering its standards or has it always been like that? Don’t wait on the sidelines…being idle allows for terrible things like this to happen.
I am amazed at how this guys life has been ruined by a girl that had sex with 3 other guys in one night. Took off her clothes, threw herself at him & then turned around so that her boyfriend wouldn’t be mad at her & accuses Joe of rape. I’ve known Joe for many years & anyone that knows him knows this was just a loose girl making bad choices & trying to blame someone else! She should be tried for ruining his name, reputation & she should have to reimburse his family for all the pain she has caused Joe that cannot be taken back. I’m not even gonna talk about the expense this brat caused his family. Anyone having sex with another guy in front of the frat house on the couch to the entrance is a girl that is obvioulsy screaming SEX SEX. Poor Joe just caught at the wrong time. It appears that this is what the accuser does all the time is have sex with everyone. How dare she ruin someone else’s life by lying!
I think she should be arrested & go through what Joe has had to go through! It makes me so sick I can’t believe innocent people get thrown under the bus by others who have no regard for themselves or others.