Student Arrested for Rape

Return to main article:

Joshua M. Elster '00, of Kirkland House and Tucson, was arrested by Harvard police January 31, taken to Middlesex County Jail, and arraigned February 2 on three counts of rape and two counts of assault and battery of an undergraduate woman. Elster pleaded innocent to the charges. He posted $10,000 cash bail next day. District court judge George R. Sprague '60, IOP '72, ordered Elster to stay away from the alleged victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, and from the Harvard campus. Elster is represented by Kenneth F. D'Arcy '58.

Read more articles by Tara B. Purohit
Related topics

You might also like

A summer program helps students from under-resourced high schools close a hidden academic gap.

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Phi Beta Kappa Speakers Call Out a ‘Deeply Troubling’ Moment

Former Harvard President Lawrence Bacow and poet Meghan O’Rourke urge graduates to focus on character and “radical attention.”

Most popular

New Harvard research finds octopuses go beyond sight and touch to find mates.

A new proposed structure, layoffs, and a five-day-a-week in-person work mandate will take effect by fall.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Explore More From Current Issue

A blue refrigerator covered with animal pictures, notes, and drawings, surrounded by greenery.

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

Harvey Mansfield seated in a bright yellow chair, surrounded by bookshelves and cozy decor.

The retired government professor has been a rare conservative voice on campus for decades.

Star-filled night sky with the Milky Way arching over a rocky silhouette.

There’s a growing movement to curb light pollution. It starts on your front porch.