An arrest has been made in connection with the assault and hate crime investigation at Kresge College.
The UC Santa Cruz Police Department worked closely with the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office to move the case forward.
The UC Santa Cruz Police Department has been investigating the events that led to UC Santa Cruz students being injured during a Feb. 7 assault in which one or more of the suspects knew or perceived that one or more of the victims belonged to a protected classification, as listed in the California Hate Crime Statues. A Community Crime Bulletin was issued as a timely warning at the time of the incident.
In collaboration with the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office, UC Santa Cruz police gathered evidence and secured felony warrants for the arrest of Brandon W. Beaton, 22, who at the time was a Kresge College student, and Jesse E. Robles, 24, a non-affiliate from Los Banos. Beaton no longer is enrolled at UC Santa Cruz.
This past weekend in cooperation with the UC Santa Cruz Police Department, Los Banos Police Department arrested Robles on the warrant. Charges include assault with great bodily injury, resisting arrest with threats, and hate crime enhancements. Bail is set at $75,000. Robles will be transported to Santa Cruz County Jail for processing.
UC Santa Cruz officers have been working to locate Beaton. He faces the same charges with bail set at $75,000. Once arrested, he will also be taken to the Santa Cruz County Jail for processing.
Although an arrest has been made, the investigation continues. We encourage anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has additional evidence to contact UC Santa Cruz Police at 831-459-2231, ext.1.
Safety Tips
Victims are not responsible for being victimized, regardless of any action or inaction on their part. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects.
• If you feel you or others are in danger, immediately call 911.
• Immediately report all crimes, suspicious people, activity or information to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department.
• Be alert to your surroundings. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims. Attempt to keep a safe distance from strangers.
• Whenever possible, please remember to lock you vehicle. Keep valuables secured and out of sight.
• Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, tell someone, avoid the person or leave the area. ? Encourage friends to travel in pairs or with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas.
• Use the Night Safety Escort Program, Monday through Thursday evening from 8:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. by calling 831-459-2231 ext. 1. More information can be found online.
Campus Resources
UC Santa Cruz is a community committed to being inclusive and welcoming of all people. We strive to provide a safe place for everyone to work and learn. The University Hate/Bias Response Team reviews all hate/bias incident reports to provide support and offer referral services. The community is encouraged to report all hate/bias crimes and incidents to UC Santa Cruz Police or online at reporthate.ucsc.edu.
For students, a range of support services is also available through the Cowell Student Health Center, including personal counseling through Counseling and Psychological Services and support through a Confidential Victim Advocate. More information can be found online.
For students and employees, the Office of Harassment and Discrimination, Prevention and Investigation Unit can provide assistance and can be reached at 831-459-2462.
For employees, the Employee Assistance Program can provide personal counseling and support. More information can be found online.
The Office of Student Conduct can be reached at (831) 459-1738 or at http://deanofstudents.ucsc.edu/student-conduct/.
Report all in-progress crimes by calling 911 from any landline or cell phone. Reports may also be made by using one of the many "blue light," emergency or elevator phones located throughout the campus, or in person at the UC Santa Cruz Police Department.
This bulletin is in compliance with 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 (f), the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" ("Clery Act"), and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
