A former University of Montana student suspected of making inappropriate comments to female students and groping one of those students in fall 2013 has been identified. 

The case began in fall semester 2013, when UM Police received multiple reports of an unidentified male approaching female students and making inappropriate comments to them. During one encounter, a male groped a female victim in the Liberal Arts building. That incident resulted in a timely warning text and email sent to campus Nov. 7, 2013.

From the time these incidents were reported, UM police officers provided extra security on campus, worked closely with the victims and worked on leads related to these cases. UM Police also worked with the Missoula Police Department.

The suspect was identified last month as a result of a combined effort between the University of Montana’s Police Department and the Missoula Police Department.

The suspect was interviewed last month by detectives from both departments and confessed to multiple incidents, which occurred on and off campus.

The case was presented to the Missoula County Attorney’s Office Aug. 27 and preliminary charges were filed Aug. 28. UM Police expect additional charges to be filed soon.

University of Montana Police Chief Marty Ludemann said on Wednesday, that the male suspect was a student at the time of the incidents, but is no longer a student. The unidentified suspect has not yet been taken into custody, as more charges are pending.

Ludemann said the increased cooperation between the Missoula Police department and the University of Montana Police Department contributed greatly in bringing the case to a successful conclusion.

The suspect, identified by Deputy Missoula County Attorney Jennifer Clark as Jeremy St. Goddard, will be arrested and charged with misdemeanor sexual assault and disorderly conduct.

Ludemann said no one was physically injured in the verbal or groping incidents.

University of Montana Police Chief Marty Ludemann

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