Trial Dates Set For Miami University Student Charged With Rape

BY ANNA QUENNEVILLE

Miami University Journalism Student

The trial for a Miami University student charged with rape and other related sex crimes as set for early January.

Nicolas Cristescu, 20, of Cleveland, faces charges of rape, sexual battery and 11 counts of voyeurism, according to Butler County court records.

During a pre-trial hearing Monday, Butler County Judge Michael Oster set Cristescu’s trial for 9 a.m. on Jan. 9. It is expected to last three days.

During the hearing, Cristescu’s lawyer asked Oster to lower his $75,000 bond, saying he is a 20-year-old Miami finance student with no prior record. Oster denied his request by lawyer Steve Kilburn.

Cristescu is charged in the rape of a female student, which reports said he recorded on his cell phone between Oct. 11 and Oct 12. The assault happened on campus in Heritage Commons, a dormitory on Miami's campus, where Cristescu lived in Pine Lodge.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Claire Wagner, Director of News and Communications at Miami University said Cristescu remains registered as a Miami student.

Miami University Journalism Student Claire Williams contributed to this report.

Photo -- Nicolas Cristescu appeared before Judge Michael Oster at the Butler County Common Pleas Court. Photo by Anna Quenneville