NASHVILLE, TN — Metro Nashville Police say Vanderbilt University Police arrested and charged Jerry W. Christopher after an incident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Authorities say the Oct. 11 arrest involved sexual battery without consent, aggravated criminal trespassing and resisting a police stop.

The Facts

• What: Police say a man was arrested and charged after a sexual battery incident at a hospital campus.
• Where: Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
• When: Christopher was arrested on Oct. 11, according to Metro Nashville Police.
• Who: Jerry W. Christopher was identified by Metro Nashville Police as the person arrested.
• Charges: Sexual battery without consent, aggravated criminal trespassing and resisting a police stop.
• Status: Vanderbilt University Police said it had previously issued a criminal trespass warning and arrested him after being notified of his return.

What police say

Metro Nashville Police said Vanderbilt University Police handled the arrest at the medical center. The case has centered on how Christopher got back into the building after an earlier warning not to return without a legitimate purpose.

Vanderbilt University Police later said it had already issued a criminal trespass warning telling the man he could be arrested if he came back without a valid reason, such as seeking medical care. The department said officers arrested him after they were notified he had returned.

In its statement, the department said it takes the safety of patients, staff and visitors seriously at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

“We take seriously the safety of patients, staff and visitors to Vanderbilt University Medical Center,” VUPD said.

The department also said officers arrested the individual after reports that he committed assault while at the medical center. Metro Nashville Police have identified Christopher as the arrested man.

The investigation

For two weeks, reporters sought information from Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt University Police about how the man entered the building and what steps were being taken to keep him out. Those questions were not answered until the police department issued a statement.

VUPD said the man had previously received a trespass warning. That warning, according to the department, notified him that returning without a legitimate purpose could lead to arrest. The department said officers acted after being told he was back at the medical center.

The case also raised questions about the hospital’s security procedures and how the police department responds when someone previously barred from the property returns. Officials did not provide additional details about the circumstances of the arrest beyond the charges and the trespass warning.

What the charges mean

Sexual battery without consent is a criminal charge alleging unwanted sexual contact. In general, prosecutors use that charge when they believe a person subjected another individual to sexual touching without permission.

Aggravated criminal trespassing generally means a person entered or remained on property after being told not to come back. Resisting a police stop is a separate allegation that a person did not comply with an officer’s effort to detain or investigate them.

What happens next

No court date was listed in the information provided by police. The case is expected to proceed through the criminal court process, where formal charges can be reviewed and the defendant can respond.

Vanderbilt University Police have not said whether any additional security changes were made after the arrest.

Have information on a crime? Contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).