FIU Professor Accused Of Raping Housekeeper
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FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - A Florida International University professor reportedly sexually assaulted his housekeeper.
David Ralston was arrested by U.S. Marshals at a hotel on Broward Boulevard Thursday morning.
The alleged attack happened at Ralston's home in Lee County. Detectives said it was captured on video by his home's security system.
The victim was reportedly not conscious when the alleged rape occurred.
According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Ralston hired the woman in April to clean his Ft. Myers home after finding her on Craigslist.
On April 29th, the housekeeper was cleaning his home when Ralston, 69, reportedly offered her a drink which she accepted.
"The victim accepted a drink from Mr. Ralston," explained U.S. Marshal Barry Golden. "Approximately 30 minutes later the victim became very disoriented and was almost incoherent, almost unconscious."
Lee County detective say the woman attempted to push Ralston away, but those attempts were unsuccessful.
She said she then passed out for a period of time.
Responding to a call to 911, sheriff's deputies found the woman in Ralston's driveway in an incoherent state and drove her home. She later reported the sexual assault to the sheriff's office.
On May 1st, detectives got a warrant to search Ralston's home. Inside they reportedly found a video from the home's security system that captured the alleged sexual assault.
On May 6, detectives spoke to Ralston and his attorney on the phone and attempted to get him to turn himself in. They refused.
During the course of their investigation, detectives learned that Ralston also owned a home in Weston. Working with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement they set up surveillance on the home.
Neighbors said Ralston only moved in six months ago and they are stunned at the allegations.
"We figured it must be kind of serious to have that presence… that many officers, that many cars, armed," said Weston neighbor Carolyn Ponz. "I think that's horrible, because, I mean, a professor – that's an educated man. Of course, you never know what's deep dark beyond."
On Thursday they tracked him to a Days Inn at 1700 W. Broward Boulevard where he was arrested.
Ralston is a professor at the Department of Management & International Business. His expertise is listed as "Cross Cultural Management" according to the university's website.
Ralston, who is a prolific writer, has had articles published in a number of journals including Journal of International Business Studies (JIBS), Academy of Management Review, Academy of Management Journal, Strategic Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, Management International Review, Organization Science and Journal of World Business.
FIU released the following statement on learning of Ralston's arrest:
"We are aware that FIU business professor David Ralston has been arrested this morning. He was last at the University at the conclusion of the Spring Semester and has no summer assignment."
Ralston has been charged with sexual assault on a helpless victim.