Man accused of rape at fraternity party framed it as ‘conquering,’ CA cops say
A man accused of raping a woman at a fraternity party later referred to the alleged sexual assault as “scoring” and “conquering,” California deputies say
Reef Mordente, 19, of Studio City, was arrested on a felony warrant with multiple charges, including rape of an intoxicated victim, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said in an Aug. 21 news release.
Deputies said they got a report in April of a sexual assault “at a wedding-themed party at a fraternity house” in Isla Vista.
Detectives identified Mordente as a suspect through an investigation, deputies said.
Following further investigation, deputies said they found “conversations using language that framed the (alleged) assault in ‘scoring’ or ‘conquering’ terms.”
Mordente turned himself into Los Angeles police Saturday, Aug. 9, deputies said.
He was booked into jail, then released on $100,000 bail, according to deputies.
McClatchy News reached out to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office and is awaiting a response on formal charges.
“Through laughter at inappropriate jokes or uncritical acceptance of stories framed as ‘conquests’ or ‘scores,’ men may become passive bystanders or inadvertent facilitators of harm,” Standing Together to End Sexual Assault Director Elsa Granados said in the release. “Men also have a vital role in supporting survivors and acknowledging the ripple effects of sexual violence—including the trauma endured by victims and the consequences faced by perpetrators as they enter the criminal justice system.”
Deputies said they believe there may be additional witnesses and ask anyone with information to contact them at 805-681-4171.
Isla Vista is about a 105-mile drive northwest from Los Angeles.
