Hunter
04/17/23
Lawyers for the two former University of Iowa fraternity members set to stand trial for the alleged rape of a student are asking for a change of venue, citing pre-trial publicity.
Lawyers for the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity also joined in the request.
KWWL TV reports Makéna Solberg filed a civil lawsuit in October 2021 against Carson Steffen, Jacob Meloan, and the FIJI fraternity. She alleges that the two conspired to rape her at a party on September 4, 2020, photograph it and send those photos to other members of the FIJI fraternity. Steffen and Meloan say the sex was consensual and deny the assault allegations. Solberg’s lawyer says she was too intoxicated to give consent.
Solberg and her lawyer are asking for monetary and punitive damages.
Lawyers for Steffen, Meloan and the fraternity say extensive media coverage of the case has made it impossible for them to get a fair trial in Johnson County. The two frat members have demanded a trial by jury; Steffen has also filed a counter-suit demanding compensatory damages from Solberg.
Trial has been set for July 11.