Hunter
11/21/19
A total of four University of Iowa students, including two members of the men’s track team, have been charged after being accused of conspiring to harass and stalk an individual in the dorm they lived in.
According to arrest reports, 18-year-old Jade Ballard of Hillcrest Hall reportedly committed the crime of stalking by directing intimidating behavior specifically at the victim, who also lives in the dorm on Byington Road.
Incidents surrounding the behavior include an admitted criminal mischief charge on October 25th when he allegedly tore a sign off the woman’s door, walking by her door on the 27th and yelling “Ya Bitch” calling her names while walking by the door on the 30th, kicking her door on two occasions, and directing others to “eff with this kid.”.
Despite being told to stop his behavior, Ballard is accused of continuing a course of conduct that made the victim feel terrorized, frightened and intimidated.
Officers say Ballard knew his actions would have the desired effect, as shown by his directing others to engage in similar behavior. In total, Ballard and the co-conspirators are accused of at least thirty incidents designed to intimidate and frighten the woman.
Ballard was arrested Tuesday and charged with stalking and 5th degree Criminal Mischief. He could be sentenced to over two years in prison if convicted on both counts.
Three other students have been charged with simple misdemeanors.
The Press-Citizen reports that Zachary Pluff is charged with four counts of 5th degree criminal mischief. Police say he tore a sign from the victim’s door four times between September 10th and October 31st.
DeAndre Stapleton Junior allegedly admitted to tearing down a sign from the victim’s door three times between September 19th and October 1st. Additionally, Stapleton is accused of following the victim to a private home in Iowa City on October 25th, causing her to feel fear. He’s charged with three counts of 5th degree criminal mischief and one count of 3rd degree Harassment.
Stapleton and Pluff are both members of the University of Iowa’s track team. In a statement from Assistant Athletics Director Steven Roe, the two have been indefinitely suspended from all team and athletic department activities throughout the investigation.
Kaitlyn Faber, the fourth person charged, faces a count of fifth degree criminal mischief for allegedly directing another co-defendant to tear a sign off the victim’s door on October 26th.
UI Assistant Director of Media Relations Haley Bruce told the Press-Citizen that the incident is still under investigation.
