Woman sexually assaulted at Memphis Public Library, police say

Lawrencia Grose
·2 min read
25

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man was arrested after he sexually assaulted a woman in the bathroom of a Memphis Public Library, according to Memphis Police.

Kevin Standberry, 35, is charged with Sexual Battery and Attempted Rape. His bond was set at $100,000.

Monday, the victim went to the bathroom at 33 South Front Street at the Cossitt Library. Police say Standberry went in behind her and started kissing her and touching her breasts.

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The victim got away and went to another part of the library.

However, she went back to the bathroom to get her belongings. Standberry followed her back in and allegedly exposed himself.

According to Memphis Police, Standbery grabbed the victim and attempted to pull her pants down to initiate sex. The victim broke free and fled.

A security officer on the scene detained Standberry and called the police.

In a statement, the library director says,

“We are grateful for the response of the security officer who detained the suspect and the Memphis Police Department for their quick action. Memphis Public Libraries currently utilizes security guards at all our branches and have a plan to enhance security at all locations.”

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Jennifer Brobst, a law professor at the University of Memphis School of Law, says she is a regular at the library and is concerned.

“Very sad, obviously for the victim. It makes everybody nervous when we hear these things,” she said.

Brobst is also a former prosecutor and says public places put everyone at risk.

“If it’s a public place, we’re all a little vulnerable in those spaces,” she said. “Also, the fact that the library is a very public place. Sometimes people are concerned if homeless people are using the facility and there’s no greater risk of sexual violence than from that group of people. It’s concerning, but also a reminder that we all have to be very aware of our surroundings.”

Kevin Standberry is set to appear in court Wednesday morning. Standberry has prior felony convictions including burglary, according to reports.

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