Transylvania University police officer charged with rape
Lexington KY March 5, 2022 An officer with the Transylvania Police Department in Lexington has been arrested in connection to a rape investigation in 2020 in McCreary county. According to state police, 31-year-old Dustin Watkins was arrested Wednesday and charged with rape.
According to KSP, Watkins was a McCreary County Sheriff’s Deputy at the time of the alleged incident. Students at the university are having mixed reactions to Watkins’ arrest.
“I do feel, you know, tense about it,” says Lindsey Steffen, Transylvania University senior.
“It kind of feels gross I guess,” says Ryan Heersche, sophomore.
“I mean, I’m surprised, I didn’t think that would happen,” says freshman Trent Fry.
Students at Transylvania University say they got an email telling them about Watkins’ arrest. Students say they were shocked, especially given how interactive the officers are with students around campus.
“I personally have had a good relationship with [the Department of Public Safety], but just because my relationship has been good does not discount or diminish other bad experiences,” says Steffen.
Transylvania University says it runs background checks on all of its faculty and staff. According to KSP, the rape allegations didn’t show up on Watkins’ background check because there were no formal charges until a few days ago.
Transy issued a statement about the arrest that says in part: “Given the seriousness of the charge in this case and the position of trust this individual holds on campus, the employee has been suspended without pay through the judicial process.” The full statement can be found below. According to the school, DPS has suspended Watkins’ status as an officer.
“I’m glad he was arrested honestly because you can’t get away with stuff like that,” says Heersche.
Ampersand, a sexual violence resource center, says this incident could make students lose trust in campus police but also says those feelings are normal and OK. Ampersand says this can actually serve as a positive experience showing full transparency between the university and students.
“We’re here to support you, especially if you’ve been triggered by this situation,” says Shayla Lynch, executive director of Ampersand. “You do not have to go through this by yourself, not at all.”
Ampersand has a 24/7 support line you can call at (859)253-2511.
Transylvania University also has resources available for students and staff. The university’s Counseling Center can be reached by phone or email (859-281-3682 or counseling@transy.edu). Employees can call The Woodland Group at (859)255-4864 for more support.
UPDATE: (MARCH 3rd, 12:18 P.M.) – Transylvania University has issued a statement in response to one of the Universities officer’s being arrested and charged with rape.
The Statement is as follows:
“After a recently returned grand jury indictment, Kentucky State Police on Wednesday arrested a Transylvania employee on a charge stemming from a McCreary County investigation prior to their employment.
The individual has been employed at Transylvania as a peace officer since November 2021.
While our legal system presumes that every person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty, the university must also act in the best interests of its community. Given the seriousness of the charge in this case and the position of trust this individual holds on campus, the employee has been suspended without pay through the judicial process. Additionally, Transylvania’s Department of Public Safety immediately suspended the individual’s status as a sworn police officer.
All Transylvania employees are required to complete a background investigation. Additionally, peace officers undergo an additional extensive vetting process managed by the Kentucky Justice Cabinet. However, as with most pre-employment screenings, only publicly available civil and criminal information and contacts are reviewed.
The appropriate university officials will conduct a thorough review of the employment screening process.”
Resources are available for students and employees who may be concerned or anxious following this news. Students who feel they may need additional support are encouraged to contact the university’s Counseling Center (859-281-3682 or counseling@transy.edu). The Woodland Group (859-255-4864) is available to employees for counseling needs.
Whitley City, Ky. (WTVQ) – On Wednesday, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 11 London Troopers arrested a former McCreary County Sheriff’s Deputy, stemming from a rape investigation that began in 2020.
According to KSP, an investigation that began in 2020 was recently presented to the McCreary County Grand Jury, which returned an indictment warrant for a suspect in the case. Wednesday, Post 11 Troopers arrested Dustin T. Watkins, of Whitley City, in Lexington.
The 31-year-old is currently an officer with the Transylvania Police Department, according to KSP. Watkins served as a McCreary County Sheriff’s Deputy at the time of the alleged incident.
According to KSP, Watkins is charged with Rape 1st degree and has been transported to the Whitley County Detention Center.
Both the Transylvania Police Department and the McCreary County Sheriff’s Department have been cooperative throughout the investigation, according to state police.
The investigation remains ongoing.
