2 West Georgia students accused of raping freshman

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. — Two local college students have been arrested and charged with rape after a female student accused them of taking advantage of her when she was drunk.

Police at the University of West Georgia in Carroll County told Channel 2's Tyisha Fernandes that the victim was unconscious when they found her late at night on Oct. 15.

University of West Georgia police Chief Thomas Mackel said they thought something was medically wrong with the woman. But after interviewing her and checking surveillance video, they said she was raped in a campus dorm room.

“We actually got a call of a student that was passed out over in front of Giovanni’s across the street from the Oaks. We took it as a medical call,” Mackel said.

When she regained consciousness, she told police that she was hanging out and drinking with a small group of people in a dorm room.

She said two guys she thought she could trust raped her.

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After police investigated, spoke to witnesses and checked surveillance video, they arrested Terrance Britt and Jacob McClendon.

They’re both charged with rape, and McClendon is also charged with aggravated sodomy.

Mackel said both suspects claim they’re innocent.

“They’re denying, so for the time being,” he said.

Both men have been suspended from school.

When student Chelsea Shelton got an email from University of West Georgia officials about the alleged incident, it reminded her how dangerous college life can be.

“I just need to walk with a friend or have somebody on the phone or something. It’s getting crazy,” Shelton said.

Cox Media Group