Police Arrest Woman For False Report About Assaults In B-Lot On Durham Campus

Contact: Kim Billings
603-862-1558
UNH Media Relations

May 4, 2005



DURHAM, N.H. -- The University of New Hampshire Police Department announced today an arrest following the outcome of an investigation into two alleged simple assaults in the campus’s B-Lot.

Police arrested UNH student Stefani N. Duelfer, 18, of Exeter, the woman who reported the assaults. Charged with two counts of False Reports to Law Enforcement, Duelfer admitted yesterday to making up the reports, as well as a report of a harassing phone call.

“While we are reassured that assaults such as those described appear not to have happened, I am saddened that someone would make a false report on an issue that is so emotionally charged at UNH,” said UNH President Ann Weaver Hart. “We want everyone to be and feel safe on campus.”

“This will not take away from our efforts to prevent violence against women,” noted UNH Deputy Police Chief Paul Dean. “While we can all sleep a little better at night as a result of this investigation, the issue of sexual violence is real and we will continue to be vigilant in making the campus a safer place.”

Duelfer will be arraigned in Durham District Court on May 26. She could face up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine for each count.

The spokesperson is Deputy Police Chief Paul Dean. He can be reached on his cell phone at 834-1393.