Tyson Cyphers, 37, was arrested for sexual assault and grand larceny, according to a press release from the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations.
Police say Cyphers was known to the individual he allegedly sexually assaulted on the university’s campus in Burlington. He also stole “multiple items” from the victim before leaving the scene, police allege.
Police responded to a call reporting the sexual assault Saturday afternoon. Cyphers was arrested later by CUSI detectives and the Essex Police Department.
Cyphers is on the Vermont Sex Offender Registry due to a 2004 conviction for lewd and lascivious conduct. He is categorized as “NOT High Risk.” The online registry lists him as non-compliant with treatment.
Court records show he’s had multiple arrests, including for failing to register as a sex offender following that conviction, and for possessing a firearm when he was restricted from doing so because of previous felony convictions.
Cyphers is expected to appear in court Monday for arraignment. He is currently being held in prison, with bail set at $100,000.
UVM spokesperson Enrique Corredera said in a statement that the university is “deeply concerned” about the incident.
“UVM Police Services is working closely with other police agencies and, given the circumstances surrounding this incident, police do not believe that there is any ongoing threat to the community,” Corredera said.
The UVM victim’s advocate and counseling services are available to those impacted by the event, he said.
This post was updated at 5:11 p.m. to include a statement from UVM.
