A Paine College student was arrested Thursday in connection with an on-campus rape of a female classmate in a residence hall, authorities said.
Nicholas Flowers, 18, was charged with rape and remains at the Richmond County Detention Center under no bond.
Paine College spokeswoman Helene Carter sent out an announcement to the campus community on Friday, saying the rape happened last Friday night in one of their residence halls.
“We are sad to tell you that it has been reported to Paine College Campus Police that there was a student-on-student sexual assault,” she said. “Paine College takes sexual misconduct and reports of it very seriously.”
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She said the college supports survivors of sexual offenses and holds anyone accountable found to have violated the college’s Code of Conduct, which prohibits sexual misconduct. In her message to students, she said the college would “refrain from issuing a more detailed report to the public” about the rape. But she asked anyone with information to provide it to campus police by calling 706-821-8235.
An informational meeting is planned for 11 a.m. Monday to discuss the “avoidance of sexual assault” and provide referrals to other resources to help students, faculty and staff. Students were instructed to attend the mandatory meeting, and faculty and staff were encouraged to go.
“Nick Flowers” has previously been listed on the college’s website as a member of the golf team, which listed his hometown as Jacksonville, Florida. His name no longer appears there.
Greg Rickabaugh is the Jail Report contributor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at greg.rickabaugh@theaugustapress.com
