Nova Rape Accuser Will Not Pursue Charges

VILLANOVA, Pa. -- July 26, 2007 — -- A Villanova University student who reportedshe was raped by three incoming freshman football players does notwant to pursue charges.

Police in suburban Radnor said Thursday the woman asserted toinvestigators that she was raped but that she was not interested inhaving authorities continue a probe that could lead to charges.

Her decision does not preclude her from asking them to renew theinvestigation later, police Superintendent John Rutty said.

"While we believe that all allegations of sexual assault andrape should be investigated to the fullest, we respect the woman'sright to make an informed, conscious decision as to (police's)continued involvement," Rutty said in a statement.

The university announced Wednesday that it had rescinded theadmission of the three football players after its investigation.

The alleged sexual assault occurred in a campus dorm room July 14and was reported to Villanova's public safety department the nextday, school officials said.

The players were enrolled for one summer class and knew thewoman who reported the assault, university officials said.

Villanova spokeswoman Liz Kennedy Walsh said the woman'sdecision not to seek charges does not change the school's decisionto dismiss the students.

Founded in 1842 by the Augustinian order of priests, the privateRoman Catholic school in suburban Philadelphia has about 10,000students.