Vincent Lembo, a 21-year-old employee of Purdue University’s student newspaper, The Exponent, was arrested on Saturday night on preliminary charges of rape and criminal confinement, according to West Lafayette police.
Lembo, who had served as the sports editor for The Exponent since August, was removed from his position and indefinitely suspended following his arrest. The news organization released a statement confirming his suspension.
The incident occurred on Friday night, when West Lafayette police responded to a call from a residence in the 100 block of South River Road around 11:57 p.m. The alleged victim reported being sexually assaulted. Police located Lembo the following evening, and he was arrested around 9:50 p.m.
West Lafayette Police Chief Adam Ferguson confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, but no formal charges have been filed by the prosecutor’s office yet. “We have gathered evidence that supports the allegations, or we wouldn’t have made an arrest,” Ferguson said in an email. “However, Mr. Lembo is innocent until proven guilty.”
Lembo faces two preliminary charges of rape, both level three felonies, and one charge of criminal confinement, a level five felony. Investigators worked through the weekend to gather evidence related to the case.
A mechanical engineering senior, Lembo was expected to graduate in May. His status as a student following the arrest is unclear.
The Exponent’s administrative staff emphasized their commitment to transparency, stating, “We take these matters very seriously and will cooperate with local law enforcement and Purdue University through this process. We will continue to provide updates about this case as we would for any other university student.”
As of Sunday night, Lembo remained in the Tippecanoe County Jail without bond.