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State now investigating ECSU after dorm leader is charged with assaulting student

Posted at 6:38 PM, Apr 29, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-29 18:38:26-04

Elizabeth City, N.C. - He was supposed to be doing security at Elizabeth City State University but Anthony Butler, Jr.  is now charged with assaulting a student.

NewsChannel 3 has now learned that the state is investigating the university.

Campus police chief Sam Beamon is now on administrative leave as of last Thursday when NewsChannel 3 first told you about Butler's arrest.

Documents filed in Pasquotank County District court show Butler has been charged with breaking or entering, sexual battery and assault on a female in two separate incidents at Butler Hall involving the same student

Today, students told NewsChannel 3 the university sent out an email informing them of the newest investigation.

The State Bureau of Investigation became involved after concerns were raised about how the student's complaint against Butler was being handled at ECSU.

The state attorney general's office tells NewsChannel 3 that the district attorney made the request.

Now SBI officials are looking into allegations of obstruction of justice and intimidation of a witness.

"Everybody knows Butler as being a nice person," says student Ashleigh Perry

Over the last few days, several students have expressed how surprised they were to hear about Butler's arrest.

University officials say Butler has been suspended without pay from his position as a residence security officer and has been let go as an unpaid, volunteer assistant coach for the women's basketball team.

"He's one of the coolest dorm directors out here that anybody knows. You ask anybody that,” says Perry.

The district attorney's office will review the SBI's investigation and decide if any charges will be filed.

Related: 

ECSU police chief placed on administrative leave as SBI investigates handling of assault and sexual battery complaint