Several offices at the University of Colorado at Boulder are pledging money totaling $10,000 to bolster the Boulder County Crime Stoppers reward for information leading to an arrest in recent GHB, or "date rape," drugging cases in Boulder.
In addition to previous commitments by the Boulder community, campus groups contributing to the reward include the CU-Boulder Parents Fund, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Housing and Dining Services and the Chancellor's Office. Also, individual parents have pledged donations to the fund, according to Ron Stump, vice chancellor for student affairs.
Stump encouraged others to contribute to the Crime Stoppers reward. He said pledges to the fund now total about $15,000, including the $10,000 from CU sources.
"We hope that a substantial reward will encourage people to come forward with information that will help the Boulder police identify the perpetrators of these crimes," Stump said. "Also, we think that contributions from different groups and individuals will send a strong message that the community is united and committed to addressing this national issue."
Teresa Wroe, coordinator of the CU Rape and Gender Education Program (COURAGE), said that, in addition to increasing the Crime Stoppers reward, the campus is seeking ways to enhance its educational programming about substance abuse and the GHB drug in particular. "We need to educate the general student population about signs to look out for as well as ensure that medical and service providers accurately screen and test for predatory drugs," Wroe said.
"As a community, our approach must include both prevention and holding people accountable for their actions," Stump said.
Anyone with information about this crime or suspects is asked to contact the Boulder Police Department Investigations Division at (303) 441-3330, or dispatch at (303) 441-3333. Those with information regarding the identity of any suspects and who wish to remain anonymous should contact Boulder County Crime Stoppers at (303) 440-STOP (7867).