Garces, 22, was charged with sexual battery and false imprisonment after he allegedly attacked a guest at the Alpha Tau Omega ‘New Years in July’ party.
The victim, whose gender and name have not been released, was allegedly approached by Garces during the July 22 party at the university’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house, where he asked them to come upstairs with him and another man.
Afterward, the unnamed victim told campus police that they were friends with Garces, so despite the fact that they did know the second man, they felt comfortable going upstairs. The second suspect’s name has also not been released because it is considered an active investigation. However, a warrant is out for his arrest.
When they entered the room, one of the men allegedly locked the door and began blasting music from a cellphone. Garces sat on the couch, forcefully pulled the victim’s legs toward him and started touching the person sexually, according to the report. He then grabbed the person’s hair, throwing him or her to the ground.
The victim performed oral sex on Garces, hoping it would stop the attack, police said. But Garces continued to be aggressive, according to WKMG.
“I’ve never seen you like this before, what’s going on?” The victim allegedly asked Garces. “I’ve been raped before, I’m not about to be in a situation like this…don’t do this to me.”
Garces eventually left the room, but the other man then allegedly raped the victim and put his hands around the individual’s throat and mouth to stop the screaming. The victim fled the party when the man abruptly left.
The victim reported the crime to the UCF Police Department on Friday, August 4. Police say that surveillance video from the party shows the victim outside of the fraternity house crying as several people attempt to console them.
Garces, who was arrested on Monday, August 7 at the fraternity house, remains in jail.
Alpha Tau Omega released an official statement on Tuesday, saying that they had suspended Garces and were looking into the matter:
“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.”
In 2013, UCF suspended Garces’ ATO fraternity due to alcohol-related misconduct and accusations of them holding an unapproved house party and serving alcohol to minors.