One of the four Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity members suspended last month for alleged sexual misconduct turned himself in to the Ames Police Department last week.

John Richard Tate, senior in pre-advertising, turned himself over to the Ames Police Department Monday, March 16, after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

A press release from Ames police stated the warrant charged Tate, 24, with sexual assault in the third degree, a class C felony punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

The incident in question occurred in December 1996 at the SAE fraternity house, 140 Lynn Ave.

Dean of Students Kathleen MacKay said a university judicial case will be brought against Tate only if there is enough evidence found from the investigation.

She said hearings could begin after he is charged or not until a verdict has been reached.

“It’s a police matter. The university has turned the case over to the police for them to handle at this point,” she said.

Ames Police Chief Dennis Ballantine and Sgt. Randy Kessel were unable to be reached for comment Sunday night.

For an individual to be subjected to university judicial hearings he or she must be a student at ISU.

John McCarroll, director of University Relations, said from his understanding with the Registrars Office, Tate is no longer a student.

However, the phone book on the ISU homepage still shows Tate as being a registered student.

Tate is accused of alleged sexual misconduct; rumors are circulating that the “date rape drug” Rohypnol was used.

In February, Kessel told the Daily that the police department has heard rumors about the situation, many of which are based on the possible use of Rohypnol, sometimes called “roofies.”

Last month, MacKay also said her office began hearing rumors of drug-related sexual misconduct near the end of last semester.

After placing a warning ad in the Daily about Rohypnol prompted more conversation about sexual misconduct, she notified the SAE national organization on Feb. 4.

Four members, including Tate, were handed down individual suspensions Feb. 8 after a three-day investigation by the SAE national organization.

At that time, SAE national spokesman Benjamin Lewis said the suspensions were the result of “very strong allegations.”

In addition, the house was also put on temporary suspension by the Dean of Students Office and continues to be prohibited from participating in intramurals, parties and Greek Week.

As of yet, Tate is the only member out of the four suspended members to be charged with sexual assault.

It is unknown if more arrests will follow.

Repeat attempts to reach the SAE house for comment were unsuccessful.