RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Samantha Allison Hudler of Goochland, who admitted to making four false reports of sexual and aggravated assaults on Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campuses, was arraigned Friday.
Hudler, a VCU Health employee, faces two counts of false reports to law enforcement. These charges were read at 9 a.m. on March 1 and her trial was scheduled for Monday, April 8, according to court documents.
An extensive review by VCU Police found no evidence that any of the four assaults Hudler reported ever happened, according to a Feb. 19 university press release.
This investigation was launched following Hudler’s most recent report of an aggravated assault in a Cabell Library bathroom.
The other three false reports included:
- A sexual battery at the Cabell Library on the Monroe Park Campus, Nov. 10, 2022
- A sexual battery at the 8th Street Parking Deck on the MCV Campus, Jan. 12, 2023
- An assault at the Cabell Library on the Monroe Park Campus and a rape in a nearby alleyway, Feb. 4, 2024
VCU Police said their officers began to connect the incidents due to similarities between them. After being questioned, Hudler reportedly admitted that all four incidents never occurred.
These reports caused many students to be fearful as they navigated campus. Following the Feb. 19 press release, some students were relieved — others were outraged that they altered their lives over something that did not take place.
“It is imperative to note that false reports to police are rare,” said VCU Police Chief John Venuti said in the release, adding that VCU Police are a “Start by Believing” agency — meaning every report will always be taken seriously.
At this time, any potential motive for filing these reports has not been shared publicly. Additionally, a spokesperson confirmed at the time of the Feb. 19 release that Hudler was still employed, with no developments made available since then.
Hudler’s trial will begin at 10 a.m. on April 8 and will take place at the Richmond City General District Court.
