UF Student Faces Sexual Battery Charges, Banned From Campus
GAINESVILLE, FL – A University of Florida student, Shaffer, is being held without bond at the Alachua County Jail following allegations of sexual battery. The charges stem from an incident with a fellow student, and have resulted in a three-year trespass warning barring him from UF property.
The case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding sexual assault on college campuses and the complexities of determining consent. If convicted, Shaffer faces meaningful legal consequences, while the university is responding with measures to protect students and reinforce its commitment to a safe learning habitat. The investigation is ongoing, and further legal proceedings are expected.
According to an arrest report, following a sexual encounter, the victim questioned Shaffer via Snapchat about condom use, to which he responded there was no wrapper in his room.Shaffer later admitted to the victim, also through Snapchat, that she had declined sexual activity and acknowledged the encounter “wasn’t right.”
Screenshots provided to police show Shaffer expressed concern about potential pregnancy and sent the victim $50 through Venmo to purchase a Plan B pill.
During a police interview, Shaffer initially stated he did not recall details of the night but acknowledged sexual contact occurred consensually. However, when presented with the Snapchat message exchange, the report indicates his recollection changed.
UF spokesperson Cynthia Roldan confirmed Shaffer has been issued a trespass warning, effectively banning him from campus for three years. He remains a currently enrolled student while legal proceedings unfold.
Alexa Ryan can be reached at aryan@alligator.org and followed on X @AlexaRyan_.
