4 teens arrested for alleged rape of UMass student

AMHERST, Mass. (WHDH) -- Four Pittsfield teens each face multiple rape charges after police say they joined together in a violent sexual attack on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus.

Prosecutors say it happened in a dorm room during the early morning hours of Oct. 13. They describe the victim as an 18-year-old woman in her freshman year at the school.

“The victim was crying. The victim used the words, ‘no,’ at points coming in and out of consciousness,” a prosecutor said in court.

Investigators say she knew her attackers who are not UMass students and that she was drinking that night. 

“The University will not tolerate violent behavior and the perpetrators in this case will face consequences for their actions,” said Chief John Horvath, UMass Amherst Police Department.

The suspects arrested over the weekend were identified as Emmanuel Bile, Justin King, and Adam Licciardi, all 18 years old; and Caleb Womack, 17.

Campus police say their records show someone had signed three of the four men into the dorm as guests before the assault. They now plan to review campus security procedures.

News of the four arrests made on Friday was spread to students through a campus-wide email. The details of the attack left some students shaken; others were surprised the alleged assault occurred in a place where they say the dorms feel safe.

“Going around I really don't feel campus is dangerous,” one student said.

“It'll probably make me more aware and cautious of what time and where I go,” another student said.

Campus police say the alleged victim was first to report the crime and say they worked with police across the state to track down the suspects.