No discipline for Purdue employee in rape threat investigation
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Police were looking into rape threats allegedly made by Purdue accompanist and composer Jamie Newman Thursday.
Purdue released a statement Thursday evening stating it would not be taking any action against Newman:
Purdue police have interviewed the staff member and numerous other witnesses and did not find sufficient evidence to take action, but will forward the investigatory records to the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor for review. As far as the university is concerned, the speech was repugnant and inconsistent with Purdue values. We don’t condone it, but at this time no personnel action is intended.
Purdue dance student Latrice Young said Jamie Newman is a one of a kind accompanist and composer.
“Mr. Jamie is really good, there’s no one like Mr. Jamie,” said Young.
When she heard police were investigating him for allegedly making rape threats on social media, she didn’t believe it.
“That’s not something I would expect to come out of Mr. Jamie’s mouth, even in a joking manner,” said Young. “I guess I would have to know the whole full threat to figure out why he would possibly say those things.”
His alleged threat said, “Let me make my intentions quite explicit: I did in fact offer to rape Tom’s wife/daughter/great-grandmother. Free of charge, even. I’m generous that way.”
His comment went on to give police contact information saying he could strike any minute.
“The Mr. Jamie I know, he does joke a lot. He’s pretty laid back, nice, very nice, funny person so I don’t know. I wouldn’t expect Mr. Jamie to say that, no,” said Young.
Newman was not in his office\ and he did not respond to several emails or phone calls.
“Maybe we should get the whole story, but he’s not commenting so we are not going to get that,” said Young. “Maybe we should give him the benefit of the doubt.”
Newman is also accused of verbally attacking the Purdue Students for Life group after they put up posters drawing attention to the high number of abortions in the black community.
Their Facebook page shows Newman calling them, “vile, racist idiots.”
When asked if the group if they wanted to talk about it, they said no because police are handling the situation.
Purdue released a statement saying:
Obviously, a threat of rape is outside the bounds of any definition of protected speech. Due process requires that before taking any action, we verify the alleged facts and give this staff member the chance to explain himself if he can. Needless to say, the statements, as alleged, are reprehensible and unacceptable in the eyes of the entire Purdue Community.
Young hopes the comments don’t end in Newman’s termination.
“No, please don’t do not fire Mr. Jamie,” said Young.
Purdue police said it’s too early to tell if they’ll send anything to the prosecutor yet.
