Man charged with raping Duke student at party

DURHAM -- Police made an arrest Monday in connection with a Duke University freshman's allegation that she was sexually assaulted at an off-campus party earlier this month.

Michael Jermaine Burch, 21, of 322 Junction Road, Durham, was charged with second-degree rape. He was held in Durham County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.

The arrest came eight days after Durham investigators were called to 405 Gattis St. early Feb. 11.

Members of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity threw a party at the rental property where one member of the fraternity and three other Duke students lived.

The party drew more than 50 people and spilled outside the duplex.

The 18-year-old accuser told investigators she was sexually assaulted about 3 a.m. in a bathroom. She went to Duke University Hospital, according to police radio reports.

Burch is not registered as a student at any college or university, according to police. He was arrested Monday morning as he left his job at the Rose's department store on N.C. 54.

Investigators have released few details about the case, including whether the suspect crashed the party or was invited.

During the week after the allegations, investigators interviewed many students about what they remember from that Saturday and Sunday.

Because of the media interest in the case, Duke administrators have found temporary housing on campus for the four residents of the duplex.

"We wanted them to be able to concentrate on their classes," said Larry Moneta, vice president of student affairs. "Right now, my priority is that the woman and her friends are getting the support they need."

The coverage and state's handling of the case has stirred extensive commentary on various blogs and other online sites, many drawing comparisons with the sexual assault case against three former Duke lacrosse players.

In each case, the accuser was at an off-campus Duke party and says she was sexually assaulted in a bathroom.

But in the earlier case, the accuser alleged gang-rape. All but one member of the lacrosse team were ordered in for DNA testing.

District Attorney Mike Nifong assumed control of that case several weeks before charges were filed, according to police reports.

In the latest case, police have said the district attorney's office would not be involved until after charges were filed.