UPDATE: 11:45 a.m. — The University has released a statement on the two employees charged with rape and sodomy.
UPDATE: 2:20 p.m. — First Transit responded with a statement.
UPDATE: 2:40 p.m. — Campus Safety and Security issued a statement, confirming that the bus was a Tiger Ten bus.
Auburn police have arrested two adult males, both employees of Tiger Transit operator First Transit, on charges of rape and sodomy related to a sexual assault that occurred Friday on a Tiger Transit Tiger Ten bus.
Two suspects, Tony Martin Patillo, 51, and James Don Johnson Jr., 32, have been taken into custody.
The Auburn Police Division received a report on Friday at approximately 11:50 p.m. of a male exposing himself while standing over a female in the 700 block of Aspen Heights Lane in Auburn. Responding officers located Patillo near the roadway and detained him, but were unable to locate the victim at the time of the initial report, police said.
Patillo was arrested on four counts of public lewdness and was taken to the Lee County Jail.
Further investigation determined that a female, who appeared to be incapacitated, entered a Tiger Transit bus operated by First Transit near Magnolia Avenue. She was allegedly sexually assaulted in the back of the bus by Patillo, an employee of First Transit, while Johnson, who was driving the bus, engaged in actions to perpetuate the crime, police said.
Patillo later exited the bus with the female victim near Aspen Heights Lane, which was were he observed standing over her by a bystander, police said.
The assault took place, according to Campus Safety and Security, on a Tiger Ten bus that runs from downtown to several apartment complexes and student housing areas off campus. The late-night buses run after 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and are intended to give students a safe way home after a night out.
"Our top concern is the well-being of the victim, and we cannot stress in strong enough terms our shock and distress over this despicable act," Campus Safety said in their statement. "We immediately provided support and all available resources to the victim and continue to do so."
The Tiger Ten transit buses, unlike the Campus Security Shuttles, are not operated by the University directly.
First Transit — the transit and bus contractor that operates Tiger Transit and Tiger Ten — performs background checks, drug screenings and requires licenses for all of its drivers, according to their website. The University confirmed that First Transit is required as part of their agreement to perform background checks on drivers.
First Transit, in a statement issued to The Plainsman, said they are now conducting their own internal review:
"At First Transit, we are greatly troubled by the events of Friday night. The safe and reliable transportation of our passengers is our highest priority. It is a responsibility we take very seriously. The drivers were immediately removed from service and we are initiating the termination process. We continue to work with the Auburn police department and the university; we are also conducting our own internal review."
On Monday afternoon, Auburn University issued a statement about the incident, saying that the University is "evaluating" its relationship with First Transit.
"Two arrests have been made resulting from a sexual assault that occurred early Saturday morning.
"Auburn University is working with the City of Auburn Police Division in their investigation. Our top concern is the well-being of the victim, and we cannot stress in strong enough terms our shock and distress over this despicable act. We immediately provided support and all available resources to the victim and continue to do so.
"The suspects were employees of First Transit, the contractor hired by Auburn to provide late night transportation service for students. The contractor is required to conduct thorough background checks on its employees and has terminated the employment of both suspects. We are evaluating the future of the University’s relationship with First Transit. As this is the subject of an ongoing investigation, further questions should be directed to the Auburn Police Division."
Investigators were later able to identify, contact and interview the victim, an 18-year-old female.
Patillo, from Columbus, Georgia, was taken into custody on Saturday and charged with several counts of public lewdness. Later that day he was also charged with first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy, APD said Monday.
Johnson, from Auburn, was charged with first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy on Saturday related to the same incident.
Requests for comment have been sent to First Transit. Patillo is eligible for a $127,000 bond while Johnson, after being arrested at his residence and transported to the Lee County Jail, is eligible for a $125,000 bond.
The crime is still under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 334-501-3140 or the 24-hour non-emergency number 334-501-3100. Callers may also provide information anonymously on the tip line at 334-246-1391.
Resources for rape and sexual assault victims (from Campus Safety):
- Preserve evidence. Do not shower or change your clothing.
- Dial 911 for emergency assistance or immediately go to the nearest hospital (in the Auburn area, East Alabama Medical Center located at 2000 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika, Alabama) to get medical care and request a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (“rape kit”).
- Report it. Notification options include:
- Dial 911 (emergencies) or 334-501-3100 to reach the Auburn Police Division. The police are the only entity that can investigate a sexual assault for the means of criminal prosecution. It is important for them to gather evidence as soon as possible.
- Dial 334-844-4794 to report the incident to the Auburn University Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Office receives official complaints of violations of the university’s Title IX Policy.
- All survivors are encouraged to report the assault, but it is always the survivor’s choice whether or not to do so.
- Sexual Assault Survivor Advocates On and Off Campus (24 hours a day)
- Safe Harbor (on campus) – 334-844-7233 or safeharbor@auburn.edu
- Rape Counselors of East Alabama (community) – 334-705-0510
- Resources for Survivors:www.auburn.edu/titleix
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