WVU Librarian Confesses
to Sexual Assault Charge
A West Virginia University law school librarian has admitted sexually assaulting a student in July 1998. Frederick W. Onorato, who has worked at WVU since 1989, pleaded guilty December 7 to a charge of misdemeanor sexual abuse.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Michelle DeMasi said Onorato approached the victim in a parking lot and asked for a ride home. He then directed her to a wooded area where he assaulted her, the December 8 Morgantown Dominion Post reported.
Onorato’s case was reviewed by a library committee before his plea and he had been allowed to continue to work on campus, said WVU attorney Jon Reed. “The initial review was based on the information we had at that time,” he said. “Clearly, we will review it again and take appropriate action.”
Both prosecutor and defense recommended Onorato serve five years’ probation, pay for the victim’s counseling plus a $500 fine, and get sex-offender treatment at WVU. No sentencing date has been set.
Note: American Libraries has learned that Onorato was not a professional librarian, but a technical assistant at the law library.
Posted December 20, 1999.
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