Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. The Collegian is investigating and will update accordingly.
CBS Denver and the Coloradoan reported today that a Colorado State University student, Katelyn Schiller, has filed a lawsuit against the University, alleging that a prominent donor sexually assaulted her.
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Schiller claimed that Michael Best, husband of realtor and former 9News anchor Susie Wargin, touched her inappropriately and called her names while she was working as a waitress at Canvas Stadium.
Additionally, Schiller said that she was demoted from her serving position to working in the pantry, a lower-paid position, causing her to leave her job. The lawsuit claims that Wargin used “financial pressure” to compel CSU to take “illegal retaliatory action” against Schiller.
“In the lawsuit, Schiller claims Best grabbed her upper thigh so hard it caused bruises,” the CBS article wrote. “She claims Best assaulted her during three different football games.”
At the third game, Schiller said Scott Schell, one of Best’s friends, “touched her on her private parts and caressed her hips.”
Schell denied this claim, stating that these accusations are false, according to CBS.
According to Schiller, she went to the police after the CSU Athletics Department said they weren’t going to take any action.
A report filed by the Larimer County District Attorney’s Office found Schiller credible; however, investigators found the case lacked evidence due to “the school (failing) to report the assault to police in a timely manner and (failing) to retain surveillance video of the loge box.”
In a statement, the University said it took “appropriate measures to protect the student before its formal investigation into her allegations even began.”
Editor’s Note: An update was made to reflect additional information on Susie Wargin.
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Laura Studley can be reached at news@collegian.com or on Twitter @laurastudley_.
