A University of Arizona student accused of sexual assault has been granted permission to travel to California later this month for a music festival.
David Lipan, 20, was indicted by a Pima County grand jury in February on one count of felony sexual assault in connection with an August incident at the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity.
The victim, a UA freshman, has since filed a $2.5 million claim against the school, saying she wants to protect other students from sexual abuse, predatory fraternities and “dangerous illegal drinking and drug parties.” In the claim, the woman alleges Lipan gave her a Gatorade bottle with alcohol in it that may have also been laced with drugs, before he sexually assaulted her.
Lipan, who is out of jail on his own recognizance, was previously given permission to travel to Rocky Point and Arkansas during spring break.
In his motion, Lipan requested permission to travel to a music festival in Indio, California, from April 18-23.
The second weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which draws daily crowds of nearly 100,000 people, is taking place April 20-22, and is featuring artists such as Eminem and Beyoncé.
Superior Court Judge Teresa Godoy granted Lipan’s request Friday, but ordered that Lipan report to Pretrial Services for drug and alcohol testing immediately upon his return.
“It’s hard to believe that a person can be charged with sexual assaulting a woman under these circumstances and still be given permission to attend a music festival full of young women and alcohol,” the victim’s attorney, Lynne Cadigan, told the Star.
Lipan has a status conference scheduled for May 23.
