University Of Delaware Soccer Player Arrested, Accused Of Raping Student
By Diana Rocco
NEWARK, Del., (CBS) – Newark Police say they have arrested a man accused of sexually assaulting a college student.
Paul Defeo, goal keeper for the University of Delaware Blue Hens varsity soccer team, is behind bars, taken into custody Sunday.
Police say the 21-year-old is charged with rape and strangulation of a student.
Police say they were called to East Cleveland Avenue around 6 a.m. Saturday. According to police, the alleged victim reported that she met Defeo at a restaurant Friday night and he came back to her residence. Once inside her bedroom, she says he assaulted her.
"To be that physically aggressive is just honestly appalling, it's terrible," said a student.
Students say they don't know Defeo personally but they're surprised a student-athlete would be accused of such a vicious crime.
"Being an athlete here, it's like it's something you want to able to carrying yourself, you want to be able to be proud of and I feel that you need to carry the name of the University on your back," said a student.
Defeo has played for the Blue Hens since 2012 starting in one game this past season. The University would not say if he's been suspended from the soccer program or the school. In a statement, a spokesperson told CBS 3 Eyewitness News:
"All students charged with a crime are automatically referred to UD's Student Conduct office."
"It's an honor I guess to be able to play for the school so something you got to think of when you make your decisions," said a student.
Police say Defeo is being held on $250,000 bail.