AUSTIN (KXAN) — Montrel Meander will have a hearing in Downtown Austin Wednesday. He is one of two former University of Texas football players accused of sexual assault. Meander and Kendall Sanders were arrested in July after a woman accused them of assaulting her inside a San Jacinto dorm and taking pictures of the ordeal.

The charges stem from a June 21 incident at San Jacinto Hall on campus. According to court documents, Meander gave the victim a ride from Sixth Street to San Jacinto Hall where they had consensual sex. The woman told officers someone knocked on the door and Meander let him in. That person was later identified as Sanders.

The woman told police Meander left the room and Sanders began forcibly having sex with her against her wishes. She said Meander returned and joined Sanders in assaulting her. The woman told investigators she asked to be able to leave and Sanders told her, “You could leave after I am done.”

During the alleged assault, the woman remembered seeing a camera flash. She told officers she suspected one of the men took a picture of her. Police say they found a picture of the victim on Sanders phone. As a result, Sanders faces an additional charge of improper photography.

Officers noted Meander and Sanders began texting each other “trying to get their story straight” during their interviews with investigators.

Sanders was anticipated to be a starter for the 2014 season. He scored a touchdown against Kansas State in 2013. That year he logged 37 receptions for 361 yards earning him third place among the team’s receivers. He was previously suspended from the team’s opening game against New Mexico State in 2013 following an arrest and DWI charge. The charges were dismissed in May 2013.

Coach Strong responds to rape allegations

UT football head coach Charlie Strong emphasized the importance of treating women with respect when he took over the program. He released a statement following this incident, announcing both players had been suspended from the team.

“We’ve been monitoring and addressing the situation with Kendall (Sanders) and Montrel (Meander) since it was brought to our attention. It’s been made clear to everyone on our team that treating women with respect is one of our core values, and I’m extremely disappointed that two young men in our program have been accused of not doing that. With the recent charges against them, they have been suspended indefinitely from our football team and will no longer participate in any team functions.”

The two were also kicked out of their dorms at San Jacinto Hall following their arrest.

University response

UT Austin president Bill Powers issued the following statement following the players’ arrest.

The university campus must be an environment free from all sexual assault and violence.

At The University of Texas at Austin, student safety is our top priority and we are involved with the national efforts to prevent a culture of sexual violence from taking root on campuses. We educate all of our students about preventing sexual assault and vigorously investigate all allegations so we can take the appropriate action.

In response to recent allegations of sexual violence on campus, UT police has filed criminal charges against two student athletes, the football team has suspended them and an internal student judicial review is under way. I commend Chief Carter for conducting a fair and thorough investigation and Coach Strong for making a decision that is in the best interest of his team and the university.

We encourage everyone to respect both the criminal and administrative review processes as they continue.

Under reported crime

UTPD chief David Carter has said that sexual assault crimes are underreported on college campuses. It’s a problem that’s gained the attention of the White House who set up https://www.notalone.gov/, a resource for victims of sexual assault.