UCF fraternity member accused of raping person at party

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A University of Central Florida student was arrested after being accused of raping another student at a fraternity party.

UCF police said in a report that the victim reported the crime Friday.

The victim, whose gender was not included in the report, told officers that on July 22, he or she and a friend attended a “New Year’s in July” party at the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house, which is on the campus.

The suspect, Alexander Garces, 22, and another man, were also at the party.

Garces, who is a member of the fraternity, and the victim knew each other, but the victim met the other man for the first time at the party.

The victim got separated from friends at one point, and was approached by Garces who asked the victim to go upstairs with him and the other man.

Once inside the bedroom, the victim told police that Garces threw the victim to the ground and forced that person to perform a sex act.

The victim told police that Garces grabbed the victim’s hair and removed his or her shirt despite pleas to stop.

After that, the victim said the other man then forced the victim to have sex with him.

The victim said the man put his hands over the victim’s mouth and throat.

Garces was arrested at the ATO house Monday night.

He told the judge he wanted to wait until his private attorney was there in order to set a bond, so he will go before a judge again Wednesday.

It’s still unclear whether the other man involved has been arrested.

An Orange County judge on Wednesday granted Garces a combined $15,150 bail and ordered him not to have contact with the alleged victim or codefendant.

Garces isn't allowed to return to UCF, his lawyer said during a hearing Wednesday.

Statement from Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity:

“Officials with the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity learned of the police investigation on Saturday, and the chapter immediately suspended the man. ATO is conducting an internal investigation and will assist local authorities and university officials as requested.  The alleged assault reportedly occurred during a July 22nd party at the chapter house.  The party was approved by UCF and held in accordance to strict university guidelines.”

Cox Media Group