Accused UF Student Assailant Released Without Charges

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) – Brandon Mulling, 31, the man accused of sexually assaulting a University of Florida (UF) student, has been released from Alachua County Jail as no formal charges were filed against him, according to state attorney officials.

Mulling was arrested earlier this month after allegedly attacking an 18-year-old UF student he met on a dating app. His arrest raised significant concerns about campus safety and legal proceedings.

State law mandates that charges must be lodged within a specific timeframe following an arrest. Prosecutors indicated they lack sufficient evidence to determine whether to proceed with formal charges regarding the assault.

According to the University of Florida Police Department’s arrest report, the victim recounted that Mulling picked her up in his car and drove her to the O'Connell Center parking lot. During this time, she claimed that he forced her to engage in oral sex and removed her pants. Following this, Mulling allegedly raped her.

Following his arrest, Mulling was terminated from his position at UF Health Shands. The incident has sparked discussions concerning safety protocols and support for students on campus.

In a previous version of this report, it was incorrectly stated that the Gainesville Police Department conducted the investigation; it was, in fact, the University of Florida Police Department that made the arrest.