Grambling State University Student Government Association President LIFE MAKARUDZE (photo courtesy of Lincoln Parish Sheriff's Office)
The day after the Student Government Association president at Grambling State University was arrested for rape, the school’s police chief and assistant police chief resigned. And at this point, there are many more questions than answers as to the circumstances. Chief Rodney Demery and Assistant Police Chief Joshua Feliciano both submitted their resignations Thursday – the day after SGA President Life Makarudze’s arrest. While Grambling President Martin Lemelle Jr. says the two developments are unrelated, Lincoln Parish Journal Reporter Wesley Harris says the timing is especially peculiar.
“The university says there’s no connection between the arrest and the resignations, but it’s fueling a lot of speculation in the area that they are related in some way,” Harris said.
Harris says Makarudze is charged with third-degree rape.
“Which is primarily used in situations where the victim is unable to resist, either through intoxication or unconsciousness or state of mind,” Harris explained.
Harris says like the circumstances surrounding the resignations of Chief Demery and Assistant Chief Feliciano, details of the alleged incident that led to Makarudze’s arrest are unknown at this time.
“The affidavit that was filed at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, when he was booked, only refers back to the search warrant, which is not available to the media at this point,” Harris noted.
Demery posted a message on his Facebook page alluding to his departure from Grambling but making no mention of the Makarudze case. Makarudze has stepped down from his role as SGA president for the time being.
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