Report tells of UGA student waking up on steps of Athens City Hall

By Joe Johnson

A 20-year-old University of Georgia student’s hazy recollection of a night drinking with friends in downtown Athens has launched a police investigation into whether she might have been sexually assaulted.

Before walking up Friday morning on the landing of City Hall’s staircase, her last recollection was that of drinking with friends at Woodford bar on East Washington Street.

She had slept on a flattened out cardboard box, and upon waking saw a homeless man behind her who was masturbating.

The student realized that her purse and phone were missing and went to a nearby restroom to fix her skirt that was inside out, then found two older homeless men who escorted her home.

After taking a shower the young woman told her roommates what had happened, and they told her that she needed to be checked for possible sexual assault.

When interviewed by a police officer at the hospital she “didn’t recall any intercourse or other sexual acts taking place but was generally unsure,” the officer reported.

The student was later taken by friends to the Family Protection Center for interviews with detectives,.

Evidence that had been collected at City Hall was given to the investigators to be processed forensically.

Police on Tuesday announced they had made an arrest in connection with the investigation.

Timothy Evans, a 49-year-old homeless person, was charged with financial transaction card theft and fraud and identity theft.

“As the investigation continues additional charges may be forthcoming ,” police said.