PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Villanova University student and football player has been charged with attempted sexual assault.
According to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, 19-year-old Iyanu Elijah Solomon is accused of forcibly trying to have sex with a female student.
The victim told investigators that she met Solomon prior to the start of their freshman year, in May 2019. She said he began asking her for nude pictures, which she refused.
On Sept. 2, 2019, authorities say Solomon texted the girl, “we need to talk.” When she met him in his room, police say he immediately asked her to have sex, which she rejected.
Police say he pinned her to the bed, and she suffered bruises while trying to free herself.
She told her resident assistant two weeks later but chose not to file a police report.
In August 2020, Villanova police learned of the incident and obtained a statement from the victim. The victim only chose to pursue charges last month because she was being harassed by Solomon, authorities said.
“National statistics indicate that 13% of all students experience rape or sexual assault — and in a significant percentage of those cases, the victim knew the perpetrator,” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. “I want to commend the victim in this case for having the courage to come forward in order to protect their campus community from further harm.”
Solomon was released on bail. He also faces misdemeanor charges of indecent assault, simple assault and unlawful restraint.
If convicted, he faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Officials say this incident is not related to the investigation into multiple reports of sexual assault on campus last week.