Attorneys agreed to waive the preliminary hearing for Xavier Eaglin ’19, a forward on the Cornell men’s basketball team, on Friday after an agreement between Tompkins County Deputy District Attorney Andrew Bonavia and Eaglin’s counsel, Kevin Jones.
As a result of the agreement, the bail on Eaglin was reduced to $25,000 cash and $50,000 bond. Previously, Eaglin was remanded to Tompkins Country Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond.
Eaglin, arrested on Sunday, was charged with first-degree rape, three counts of first-degree criminal sexual assault and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation.
According to court documents, Eaglin allegedly told the victim that she was “going to have sex with him.” Cornell police noted in documents that the department has recorded a video interview with Eaglin in which he confesses to coerced sex acts. CUPD also says it has obtained a taped phone call between Eaglin and another person alongside a sworn statement in which he confesses to forced sex acts.
Eaglin’s father, Leon, was present at the hearing and flew up from Texas in order to be in attendance.
The case is now divested to Tompkins Country Court pending grand jury action.
The Cornell University Police urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to call 911 to receive police assistance, emergency health care for injuries (appropriate to your circumstance), get access to supportive services and – if you choose to do so – to report a crime. Resources can also be found at share.cornell.edu.