Cops: NYU student set classmate on fire, recorded it

NEW YORK - Authorities say a New York college student is accused of setting a classmate on fire in his dorm, then singing and recording her putting out the flames.

Jaime Castano was arraigned Tuesday on assault and reckless endangerment charges.

The incident occurred at his NYU dorm in August. Prosecutors say the victim reported it to school officials, but NYU didn't report it to police until October.

In a statement to CBS News, NYU Spokesman John Beckman said, "The University, from the outset, took this case very seriously. After the University was notified about the incident, we rapidly pursued a disciplinary case that led to the expulsion of the assailant."

Beckman went on to say, the University spoke with the victim about involving police and "when, after some time, the victim ultimately indicated a wish to go to police, the University accompanied her."

"In retrospect, at least when the facts became clear, this case clearly should have been reported to the police, not withstanding the reluctance of the victim," Beckman continued, adding that the University is working to make sure that in the future, cases of this nature are reported to police immediately.

Castano's attorney couldn't be reached for comment.

Court papers say Castano's cellphone video showed the 19-year-old victim asleep on Castano's bed with flames on her clothing.

The 20-year-old Castano was ordered held on $50,000 bond or $25,000 cash bail.

The victim suffered burns to her torso.