Two University of Kentucky students accused of raping a woman inside a dormitory last year will no longer face charges, according to court records.
Angus Thompson, 19, of Louisville, and Addison Adkins, 19, of Lexington, had been charged with first-degree rape after authorities accused them of sexually assaulting a woman inside Ball Hall on Feb. 18. Adkins also faced a charge of second-degree strangulation.
The Fayette County grand jury declined to indict Thompson and Adkins on Monday, resulting in dismissal of their cases. Court documents state the grand jury heard testimony from a UK police sergeant and defense witnesses.
“As soon as the evidence was reviewed, it became obvious to anyone that these allegations were not only false but completely fabricated,” said Steven Romines, Thompson’s attorney. “While we’re glad it’s over, it’s unjust that he was ever charged.”
Mike Rowland, who represented Adkins, also welcomed the grand jury’s decision.
“My client has cooperated and maintained his innocence from the beginning of this process,” Rowland said. “Certainly, he is relieved, and grateful to the Fayette County Grand Jury for their thoughtful and careful consideration regarding this case.”
Kimberly Baird, the Fayette County Commonwealth Attorney, did not personally prosecute the case and declined to comment on whether she agreed with the outcome. However, she expressed respect for the grand jury and its role as a gatekeeper in the criminal justice system.
A grand jury consists of 12 members, and at least nine must vote to move a case forward with an indictment. Baird said she does not know how the jurors voted.
She described both the investigation and the prosecutors’ presentation as thorough. One of the suspects testified before the grand jury, though Baird declined to specify whether it was Thompson or Adkins.
“If nine people can’t agree to indict a case, then maybe we should not go forward to trial to convince 12 unanimously,” Baird said.
According to the initial complaint warrant filed by a UK police officer, photos “indicated bruising to the victim’s neck and thigh areas, including what appears to be a cut on the victim’s neck.”
The document states that another “co-offender” told police Adkins “was heavily intoxicated and became more aggressive towards the victim as the unwanted sexual intercourse continued.”
Court records show both teens admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the woman, and one reportedly provided photos and video of the victim’s injuries “upon request.”
Jay Blanton, a spokesperson for UK, said Thompson and Adkins are no longer enrolled at the university but declined additional comment.
Thompson and Adkins, who were 18 when the accusations surfaced, turned themselves in on March 2, 2025, five days after charges were filed. Each posted a $25,000 bond the next day.
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