Content warning: This article contains information about sexual assault.
Two sexual assault cases involving University of Wisconsin-La Crosse students will go to court in the first week of March.
In a criminal complaint on Feb. 1, police were called to Laux Hall when four underage girls, aged 14 to 16, were seen intoxicated. The police discovered a heavily intoxicated female lying in a fetal position on the floor of UWL First-Year Student Caden Atkinson’s room. A Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance was called to the scene.
Atkinson told police he met the girls over snapchat and they discussed that he had access to alcohol. The group drank and smoked marijuana in the room. In their statements to police, the girls claimed Atkinson would attempt to touch them inappropriately. Two of the girls said Atkinson molested them. A third said Atkinson attempted to molest her but she stopped him by screaming.
Atkinson admitted to underage drinking, but denied that any sexual assault had occurred. The four girls were cited for underage drinking and Atkinson was cited for underage drinking, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and distribution of alcohol to underage individuals.
Atkinson had been issued a $5,000 signature bond, but because of violations to his probation, he is being held in the La Crosse County Jail. He has a preliminary hearing on 2nd degree charges of sexual assault of a child set for March 6.
In a separate incident, UWL Student Logan Zdanowicz appeared in La Crosse County court on Feb. 25, facing a felony charge of 2nd degree sexual assault.
According to the criminal complaint, on Feb 22, Zdanowicz assaulted a female UWL student in Laux Hall. She reported she felt sick after drinking with a group of people at Tequilas Bar and Grill and then later at a house party. When walking back with Zdanowicz the woman said he had mentioned a game called “roofie roulette”, which made her concerned she had been drugged.
Zdanowicz was questioned by UWL police if he thought the woman was mentally capable of giving consent, he replied, “Probably not, no…we were both pretty drunk.” He denies putting drugs in her drink.
Zdanowicz is issued a $5,000 signature bond and his preliminary hearing date is for March 3.
Regarding Zdanowicz UWL made the following statement: “UWL is aware of a criminal charge against one of our students. While we cannot comment on active investigations or disciplinary matters, we will continue to assist law enforcement to our fullest ability.”
UWL Violence Prevention offers helpful resources to those who experience a sexual assault, stalking, violence or abuse in any relationship. Blythe McConaughey, UWLs’s violence prevention specialist, is available to assist you with advocacy, information and support so that you can make informed choices about the options available to you. Services are free, confidential and available to all UWL students, faculty, and/or staff members.
UWL Violence Prevention provides free and confidential:
- Referrals to resources on campus and off; such as counseling, medical care and academic or financial assistance
- Safety planning
- Information on reporting options (university conduct, Title IX, and/or police), campus policies and procedures, and victim rights. (Please note-you are not required to report an assault in order to get help)
- Restraining order information and assistance
- Advocacy and support during interviews and court hearings
If you have been impacted by sexual violence, please consider contacting:
Violence Prevention — 149 Graff Main Hall / (608) 785-8062
Counseling and Testing Center — 2106 Centennial Hall / (608) 785-8073
Student Health Center — 1300 Badger St / (608) 785-8558
Student support and community resources are available via the Violence Prevention website. This form may be used by members of the UWL community, and visitors, to report information related to alleged violations of UWL’s Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy .
For emergencies and after hour help contact University Police: 789-9999 or 911
The following resources are also available:
- City of La Crosse Police: 785-5962 or 911
- Great Rivers 211 (dial 211) or 1-800-362-TALK (8255)
- Gundersen Health System Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault Program Hotline: 608-775-5950
- Mayo Health System Safe Path: 608-392-7804
- New Horizons Shelter: 608-791-2600 (local) or toll free at 1-888-231-0066
- WI Hmong Family Strengthening Helpline: 1-877-740-4292
