This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.

After an attack on an Eastman School of Music student in Rochester, N.Y., sexual assault charges were filed against the suspect. Nearly six months later, information about the assault is only now being released. Indeed, when the attack occurred in September 2018, the suspect was only charged with stealing credit cards.

According to Rochester Police, a student (whose name is being protected) was attacked in a school practice room while practicing piano. The police say the student was attacked, sexually assaulted, strangled, and robbed of their credit cards. Later, sexual assault charges were brought against the suspect when the case went to a grand jury, which was conducted in secret.

WHEC reports that the suspect, identified as Michael Sheppard, has previously been arrested and served jail time, once for criminal possession of a weapon and again for identity theft. He was on parole when he allegedly attacked the Eastman student on Sept. 15, 2018. His trial for this attack on the Eastman School of Music student begins on March 21.

The Eastman School of Music is part of the University of Rochester. The university released a statement about the attack, noting that “Immediately following this incident, leadership at the Eastman School of Music focused on enhancing the safety protocols and practices on the Eastman campus to ensure the safest possible learning, working and living environments for its community members.”

Sexual assault on college campuses has long been a problem, and schools deal with these situations differently. The Rochester Police, when asked by WHEC why they had not informed the public about the attack at the time, said in a statement, “At the time that the crime was reported, we had not identified a suspect. The investigation was ongoing. When the suspect was arrested, there were no immediate threats to the public, where we felt that we needed to notify the public.”

Extended Time Limit on Sexual Abuse Litigation

In many states across the country survivors of childhood sex abuse have decades to bring claims against their abusers—some states may even have no limit at all. But in New York and Pennsylvania, there have been strict time limits, which has prevented many adult survivors of child sex abuse from coming forward and holding their abusers accountable.

Now, lawmakers in both New York and Pennsylvania are pushing new laws forward to lift restrictions on victims of sex abuse.

For a long time, childhood sexual assault victims in New York had only until they turned 23 to file either criminal or civil charges. New York has recently expanded its protections for adult survivors of child sex abuse, extending the limit for filing criminal charges until the victim turns 28. Victims may file civil lawsuits until age 55.

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are now hoping to follow in New York’s footsteps by passing a similar law to lift these restrictions.

Filing Sexual Assault Charges

If you suffered from sexual assault or abuse as a child in New York or Pennsylvania, even if the abuse took place years or decades ago now, you may be able to pursue litigation. Contacting an experienced sexual assault attorney can help.

Join a Free New York, Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Lawsuit Investigation

If you were sexually assaulted as a child in New York or Pennsylvania, even decades ago, experienced sexual assault attorneys are ready to help. Fill out the free form on this page for more information.

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