A 19-year-old Nova Southeastern University student, Ethan Contrera Rodriguez, faces multiple sexual battery charges following two reported assaults in his dorm room last year. Rodriguez was arrested and is being held on a $300,000 bond, according to Local 10.
One incident occurred on September 7, 2024, when the victim said Rodriguez invited her to his room under the pretense of hanging out, but instead initiated unwanted physical contact, despite her expressing that she did not consent, as detailed in the arrest report obtained by NBC Miami. The victim told authorities that she repeatedly told Rodriguez she did not want to be intimate, mentioning that she was menstruating. Rodriguez allegedly responded, "I don't care if you have your period. I don't really care," before proceeding with the assault. Afterward, the victim felt compelled to leave, only doing so after conveying her distress to a friend, who came to her aid. A second alleged incident took place on October 12, involving a different victim, who reported a similar situation where Rodriguez ignored her refusals and continued with unwanted sexual advances, even after she tried to create distance on the bed.
During an interview with detectives, Rodriguez appeared to show a lack of understanding of consent. He admitted that the victim did not consent but rationalized his actions, stating, "It's not like it's on me; her clothes were off," and "She curved her body in a way telling me it's okay," despite acknowledging that the woman never gave verbal consent, as reported by NBC Miami.
As Local 10 reported, in a controlled call, Rodriguez apologized but also suggested that the act was consensual, claiming, "When you got back in the mood, I did it. You let me. I didn't force myself on you," as captured from the victim’s response.
Rodriguez remains in custody at the Broward Main Jail, facing five counts of sexual battery. If released on bond, he must wear a GPS monitor, is prohibited from contacting the victims, and is banned from returning to the Nova Southeastern University campus. Officials at NSU have not commented on the active cases or investigations but confirmed that Rodriguez was banned from campus following the allegations and his arrest. The Davie Police stated that no additional reports involving Rodriguez have been filed.
For those affected by sexual assault, support can be sought through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673, available 24/7.
