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Columbia University VP Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 13-Year-Old
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Jan 5, 2021
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By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Jan 5, 2021
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A high-ranking development executive at Columbia University was arrested Monday for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor.
Marcelo Velez, 56, is accused of engaging in sex acts with a girl under the age of 13 inside his Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey home. Local police learned of the alleged abuse on Sunday after receiving a report from the girl's mother, and took Velez into custody on Monday, NJ.com reported.
He was charged with aggravated sexual assault and two counts of sexual assault by contact, according to prosecutors. Further details about the alleged assaults were not immediately available.
Velez is the Vice President for Manhattanville Development at Columbia University, charged with overseeing the university's controversial expansion in West Harlem.
He has worked at Columbia in various capacities for 25 years, according to the college's website.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the university said, "We have placed Mr. Velez on administrative leave and will cooperate fully with law enforcement officials investigating this matter."
Velez is reportedly being held at the Bergen County Jail pending a court appearance. Attempts to reach his attorney were not successful.
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Jake Offenhartz
Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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