Deal reached in UM sex-assault probe

MISSOULA — Federal officials reached agreements with the University of Montana after a yearlong investigation into mishandled sexual assault reports on campus that require the university to revise its policies and adequately respond to allegations, federal officials said Thursday.

University and Missoula police officials previously said they implemented new policies and training on sexual assault awareness and prevention even before the Justice Department investigation.

The investigation began after 11 assaults involving university students were reported over an 18-month period. Federal attorneys said on May 1, 2012, that they would also look at sexual assaults reported across Missoula over several years.

The investigation into the city and county prosecutor's handling of sexual-assault allegations is ongoing, officials said.

Investigators were examining whether gender discrimination affected the response by the university and law enforcement.

Federal investigators visited both the university and the police department last summer, conducting one-on-one interviews. They have since provided no updates, except to say the investigation was ongoing.

Enrollment at the school for the spring semester was 14,201, a decline of 505 students. University spokeswoman Peggy Kuhr said in March the main reason for the drop was students' financial situation, but that the publicity over the investigation also may have been a factor.

Over the past year, former University of Montana running back Beau Donaldson pleaded guilty to sexual intercourse without consent in a 2010 case.

A jury earlier this year acquitted starting quarterback Jordan Johnson of a rape charge, with Johnson saying he had consensual sex with an acquaintance.

A U.S. Department of Education investigation was folded into the Justice Department probe last year.

The NCAA has been investigating the Grizzlies football team since the end of January 2012 for unspecified allegations, but there has been no update in that investigation.

The agreement disclosed Thursday was announced at a news conference by Deputy Assistant Attorney General Roy Austin Jr., Department of Education Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Seth Galanter and U.S. Attorney Michael Cotter.