Student charged with open lewdness

Police say the student was writing erotica while touching himself

Published by Joe Wells, Date: November 17, 2021
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Slippery Rock University Police have charged a student with open lewdness after he was seen touching himself inside Bailey Library on Nov. 9.

At least six witnesses said they observed Luke Duckworth, 22, rubbing his groin in the common area of the library around 4 p.m. The witnesses told officers when they arrived that they felt “uncomfortable and unsafe,” according to the criminal complaint.

When the officers approached Duckworth, they saw him sitting in a chair with a laptop rested on the arm. The officers said he was typing with his right hand and rubbing his groin with his left hand. Duckworth was visibly erect under his clothes, according to police.

The police asked Duckworth if he knew why they were there, to which he allegedly told police it was because he was stimulating himself. According to the affidavit, Duckworth said he was doing this on and off for over an hour while writing erotica.

Duckworth said he never exposed himself and provided police with a statement admitting to the act, that he knew it was wrong and that he “would do what (he) can to make things right.”

Police have charged Duckworth with open lewdness and disorderly conduct, both third degree misdemeanors. Those charges carry the potential of a fine up to $5,000, imprisonment up to 90 days or both for each offense.

Duckworth does not have a lawyer listed as representing him, according to court documents. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Jan. 26, 2022 in Slippery Rock.

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Joe is a senior communication major with concentrations in converged journalism and digital media production. This is his second year with The Rocket and first as the news editor. With a penchant for asking tough questions, his byline can be found on more than 100 articles for The Rocket including many breaking news and investigative pieces. During the hours he’s not wearing the hat of student journalist, he spends his time as a husband, father and dog owner in Slippery Rock.

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