By CRAIG FREILICH

POTSDAM -- New SUNY Potsdam Pres. Kristin Esterberg is taking Sunday’s alleged on-campus rape "very seriously," according to college spokeswoman Alexandra Jacobs Wilke.

Wilfrido O. Abreu remains in the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond following his arrest Wednesday for allegedly raping a female in his residence hall room, according to police.

"SUNY Potsdam is committed to sending timely warnings to campus when we have received reports of sexual violence,” Esterberg said in a letter to the campus community.

“We believe it is appropriate to err on the side of transparency, even when we are not always legally required to send such notices. Our community’s safety comes first."

She continued, "Since the campus safety alert went out on Sunday, I have received many thoughtful responses from students, parents and faculty who are concerned about sexual assault on campus. I share these concerns, and I want you to know that the College is working hard to investigate and respond to these reports," Esterberg said in her letter.

The 200-pound, 5-foot 9-inch Abreu, 33, whose build is described as "muscular" in the booking data, is a student who lives in Draime Hall, a dormitory on campus. The alleged victim was visiting the campus.

Abreu has been charged with third degree rape: no consent, according to the booking report.

The college reports that the woman has been offered all available on-campus and off-campus support services.

A campus alert issued to students says that the college "will pursue all appropriate charges under the campus student conduct system, and continue to assist the District Attorney's office, relative to any potential criminal charges."

Esterberg said the incident is sparking conversation about such attacks, increasing awareness about what to do in such a case, and offering others who have been in similar situations a chance to come forward.

"Over the years, the college has found that after such notifications are sent, other survivors will often come forward to speak with the Counseling Center or University Police. As a result, we are currently hearing from students about other incidents that have taken place in our community and elsewhere. We believe that creating an environment in which survivors of sexual assault feel free to come forward is an important step in eradicating sexual assault on campus," she said.