Attempted UNL sexual assault suspect sees his first day in court
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The suspect involved in a Sept. 29 attempted sexual assault of a female student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, saw his first day in court on Tuesday.
Joseph Favada, 32, of Andover, Kansas told the Judge that he doesn’t have a job or any real estate.
The court then agreed to appoint him a public defender as he faces charges of attempted first-degree sexual assault and first-degree false imprisonment.
The incident happened around 1:30am on Sept. 29.
In court, the prosecutor outlined the alleged attack that occurred around 1:30am that day.
He said Favada first grabbed the student from behind, gripping her in a ‘bear-hug’.
Then, he began to kiss her face and group her body.
The victim said ‘his hands were everywhere’.
It’s reported that Favada then threw her phone into the street, preventing her calling the police.
Ultimately, the prosecutor said it was the victim’s screams that prompted Favada to run away.
It was also announced in court that the police later obtained surveillance footage that showed Favada driving around campus in a box truck.
When the alleged assault was first reported, police could not confirm Favada’s whereabouts and put out a plea for the public’s help including his description; Gray shirt, black sweatpants, and chain necklace.
Police say Favada had fled to Kansas where he was picked up by Kansas law enforcement in Wichita.
The victim, Sophia, first shared her story with Channel 8 after the assault first happened, saying “I just remember thinking like, I don’t want to die. I just got to college. I’m double majoring. I have so many things that I want to do with my life.”
Sophia, referred to in court as simply SCT, says she now wants to advocate for victims who have experienced the same or similar ordeals.
Favada’s next court date is scheduled for Nov. 26 at 10:00am.
