UW-Milwaukee professor charged with sexually assaulting student
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee professor is accused of sexually assaulting a student in the spring of 2018.
Anthony Azenabor, a professor of biomedical science, appeared along with his attorney in Milwaukee County Intake Court Sunday morning and was formally charged with two counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault Using Force and one count of 4th Degree Sexual Assault.
Azenabor is accused of sexually assaulting a female student over a period of time in the spring of 2018. According to the criminal complaint, during the investigation of the assaults by the UWM Police Department, a second student came forward and reported that she too had been assaulted by Azenabor.
According to the criminal complaint, the victims did not come forward for fear of not receiving their degrees.
The court found probable cause against Azenabor and ordered him to have no contact with the student, the student’s family, the University and faculty. Azenabor, who is originally from Nigeria, was also ordered to surrender his passport. Cash bond was set at $7,500. At Sunday morning’s hearing, Azenabor entered a not guilty plea to the misdemeanor charge of 4th Degree Sexual Assault.
Azenabor’s next court appearance, a preliminary hearing, is set for March 13.
Sunday afternoon, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee issued this statement regarding Professor Azenabor.
"The charges against Prof. Azenabor are very serious. UWM police have been working closely with the District Attorney’s office on the criminal investigation. The University administration is evaluating his continued employment. Prof. Azenabor is currently not assigned to teach any classes and does not have contact with any students. UWM is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all of our students, and we always encourage students who believe they have been victimized to come forward and speak to police. Their courage allows us to take action."
For information on what you can do if you have been sexually assaulted, please click here.