Student at IUP charged in 2 rapes

INDIANA — An Indiana (Pa.) University student has been jailed on charges he raped two female students in one weekend.

Police allege 22-year-old Jose Aponte Jr., of Philadelphia, raped the first woman early last Friday, after she blacked out from consuming alcohol. Police say Aponte’s other alleged victim, who reported being raped Saturday, was also drunk but tried to fight off Aponte as he assaulted her.

University spokesman Michelle Fryling said Aponte will face discipline under the school’s code of conduct.

Fryling said the school’s “paramount concern” is supporting the alleged victims.

Aponte faces a preliminary hearing June 1.

Police officer charged in crash

NESQUEHONING — A northeastern Pennsylvania police officer was charged Wednesday with homicide by vehicle and involuntary manslaughter for an on-duty crash a year ago during which investigators say he reached speeds of more than 110 mph.

The state attorney general’s office charged Nesquehoning Police Officer Steven Homanko for the May 2014 crash that killed Carola Sauers, 69, and severely injured her husband, Michael Sauers.

Investigators said Homanko, 26, of Beaver Meadows, lost control of his marked police cruiser while pursuing another driver for illegal passing.

By The Associated Press