UCF suspends fraternity after member accused of rape

ORLANDO, Fla. — A fraternity at the University of Central Florida has been suspended after one of its members was arrested on a rape charge.

The Office of Student Conduct sent a letter to the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity that said, in part, “An organizational interim suspension is issued to organizations in unusual cases, where the welfare of any individual, the student body, or any part of the University or its community is concerned.”

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 victim told officers Alexander Garces, 22, raped her inside a bedroom.

Garces was arrested at the ATO house Monday night.

The victim told officers another man was involved in the rape, but police have not said if that person is facing charges.

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.

ATO will be prohibited from participating in any activities.

The fraternity provided Channel 9 with the following statement Wednesday:

"Officials with the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity can confirm the chapter at UCF has been placed on interim suspension by the university. The fraternity will continue to work with UCF officials, and will take part in the August 23rd hearing. The second man being sought by police is an alumnus of the chapter, and his membership has been suspended by the fraternity."

Cox Media Group