Princeton student charged in picture scandal
PRINCETON — A Princeton University student has been charged with invasion of privacy for allegedly taking explicit photos of another male student as he slept in a dorm room, police said Monday.
Australian native Richard Charles Tu c k w e l l , 20, allegedly met the other student on campus during the Lawnday festivities hosted by the student government on Sept. 16. The 19-year-old and Tuckwell retreated to a dorm room and, according to police, the younger man fell asleep after consuming alcoholic beverages.
At this point, police said, Tuckwell took sexually explicit photographs of the 19-year-old with his cell phone.
The man woke up and saw Tuckwell taking the pictures, police said. There was no indication the pictures were distributed.
“I cannot comment on the contents of the pictures,” said Capt. Nick Sutter of the Princeton Borough police. “Just still pictures, no video.”
Students interviewed on the Ivy League campus were not fazed by the developments.
“I’m not surprised,” said a freshman who asked to remain anonymous. “I’ve seen pictures being taken at parties of drunk students and those same pictures make their way onto social media sites.”
Tuckwell was charged with invasion of privacy, a third degree offense; Sutter added that “there is an accusation of sexual assault that we are still investigating.”
According to the university’s student code of conduct, “All forms of sexual misconduct (including rape and sexual assault) and all attempts to commit such acts are regarded as serious violations of University policy and are likely to result in a severe disciplinary penalty.”
Tuckwell’s attorney, Arnold Mellk, said “I have no comment on this case. There is no charge of sexual assault.”
Tuckwell is still a student at Princeton University.
“The university will conduct its own investigation and the outcome will determine if any action will be taken,” said university spokesperson Martin Mbugua.
Tuckwell surrendered to police on Sept. 21 and was released on his own recognizance. If found guilty, Tuckwell could face three to five years in prison.