Skip to content

Baylor retains outside counsel to lead probe of sexual assault cases

Jerome Miron / USA TODAY Sports

Baylor has retained a Philadelphia-based law firm to investigate its handling of sexual assault complaints, including the allegations leveled against former Bears football player Sam Ukwuachu.

The school's regents announced the move Wednesday, saying in a statement on the Baylor website that it had tabbed Gina Maisto Smith and Leslie Gomez, partners at the law firm Pepper Hamilton LLP, to lead the investigation.

"I am pleased with our board’s swift and astute decision to retain the services of Gina Smith and Leslie Gomez to examine our processes and policies," Baylor president and chancellor Ken Starr said in a statement. "Ms. Smith and Ms. Gomez are skilled and experienced investigators who will help us pinpoint where we are strong and where we need to make improvements to ensure the highest degree of integrity to protect the safety and welfare of all our students."

According to the Waco, Texas-based school, Smith and Gomez advise colleges and universities on federal, state, and local regulations, including Title IX, the Clery Act, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, changes in the laws, and investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct.

Ukwuachu was convicted of sexual assault and sentenced last month to six months in jail and 10 years of probation, in a case that has renewed focus on the manner in which universities handle student-athlete legal issues.

The Baylor board also appointed a special committee of three Regents, outside of the university administration, to whom Pepper Hamilton will report their findings.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox