Hate Crime Victim Attacked For Sexual Preferences, 7 MD Students Arrested: Police

Crime & Safety

Hate Crime Victim Attacked For Sexual Preferences, 7 MD Students Arrested: Police A hate crime assault victim was targeted for his sexual preferences, police said. Officers arrested seven students of this Maryland college.

SALISBURY, MD — Police announced Tuesday that six Marylanders and one Delawarean were accused in a "hate crime" assault near Salisbury University on a victim who "was targeted due to his sexual preferences."

Officers identified the suspects as:

Authorities said the suspects, all members or associates of a Salisbury fraternity, used social media to lure the victim to an off-campus apartment in the 1400 block of University Terrace "under false pretenses."

Charging documents obtained by WBOC said Leinemann used the dating app Grindr to pose as a 16-year-old and then eventually invited the victim to the apartment under the pretense of sex.

The age of sexual consent in Maryland is 16.

Police said numerous college-aged men surrounded the victim when he entered the apartment on Oct. 15 and forced him to sit in a chair in the middle of the living room.

Officers said the suspects kicked, punched and spat on the victim while calling him derogatory names.

Authorities said the victim tried to leave multiple times, but he was thrown on the floor during each attempt to flee.

The assault lasted for several minutes, police said.

Officers said the victim suffered a broken rib and bruising throughout his body.

The Salisbury University Police Department reported the case to the Salisbury Police Department on Oct. 31.

Detectives said they met with witnesses and watched cell phone video of the attack.

Officers said suspects were charged with first-degree assault, false imprisonment, reckless endangerment, and the associated hate crime charges.

Salisbury University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre wrote a letter to the college community on Tuesday, informing them of that day's arrests. Lepre said, "The thought of SU students perpetrating crimes of such a disturbing nature is truly horrifying."

"Moments like these are profoundly difficult to communicate," Lepre said. "As President of the University, a resident of this community, and the mother of two college students, the right words escape me — they feel inadequate in fully conveying the weight of the shock and disbelief we all share."

Lepre confirmed that the suspects are all Salisbury University students and that some are fraternity members.

"I have grown to cherish the warmth, compassion, and acceptance that define this community we've built together," Lepre said. "These actions do not reflect the SU that I know and love. A place where everyone should feel safe and free from harm. A place where violence is unacceptable."

Lepre urged community members to "allow the investigatory process to take place without speculation" because "Our institution believes in due process and the right to a fair investigation."

Lepre said the college has taken "the appropriate interim suspension actions in accordance with our existing policies."

"Acts of violence toward LGBTQ+ and Ally communities are not only destructive but at odds with the principles of community, respect, and belonging that bind us together as a university," Lepre said.

Police asked anybody with information on this assault or similar crimes to call (410) 548-3165. Tipsters can stay anonymous by dialing (410) 548-1776.