Man Charged in Assault of McDaniel Student

Local law enforcement officials have charged a man in the sexual assault of a McDaniel student on Pennsylvania Avenue early Sunday morning. 

Assistant State's Attorney Amy O'Campo said police charged Stephen Simpkins, 40, of Westminster with attempted kidnapping, second-degree assault and third- and fourth-degree sexual offense.

According to a security alert distributed by the McDaniel Department of Campus Safety, a McDaniel student was sexually assaulted Sunday, May 1, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Pennsylvania Avenue.

According to the alert, the student was walking home from an on off-campus event when she was approached by a male who, after a brief verbal exchange, pulled her into a yard and assaulted her. The alert document reported that the student fought off the suspect, returned to campus and immediately notified Campus Safety. 

Simpkin was denied bond at a bail review hearing on Wednesday and remains at the Carroll County Detention Center. 

Carroll County State's Attorney Dave Daggett said that the arrest was made by investigators working with the Carroll County Advocacy and Investigation Center (CCAIC). 

The CCAIC investigates allegations of sexual abuse and sexual assault, and provides resources for the victim and the victim’s family.

The CCAIC consists of representatives from the Westminster City Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office, Carroll County Department of Social Services / Child Protective Services, Family and Children’s Services of Central Maryland, Carroll Hospital Center and the Carroll County Government, Department of Citizen Services.