District Attorney Tanner Rouse announces that charges have been approved against D’hani Cobbs, a student and football player at Villanova University. This investigation has been led by Lt. Michael Gownley of the Villanova University Department of Public Safety and Police.
On December 8, 2025, Villanova University Public Safety received a report that a female resident was the victim of a Rape that occurred on December 7, 2025. The victim reported meeting D’hani Cobbs at an off-campus event and later returning to his dorm room with other students. After ending up alone with him, the victim stated that Cobbs attempted to kiss her, and she said no. The defendant then forcibly penetrated and assaulted the victim without consent. After the victim was able to leave the dorm, Cobbs sent messages apologizing and asking to talk further so they could come to a mutual understanding of what happened.
Following a comprehensive review of the evidence, the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office has approved the following charges against D’hani Cobbs:
- Rape Forcible Compulsion (F1) – 1 count
- IDSI Forcible Compulsion (F1) – 1 count
- Aggravated Indecent Assault – Forcible Compulsion (F2) – 1 count
- Aggravated Indecent Assault W/O Consent (F2) – 1 count
- Sexual Assault (F2) – 1 count
- Indecent Assault Forcible Compulsion (M1) – 1 count
- Indecent Assault W/O Consent of Other (M1) – 1 count
On January 29, 2026, a complaint was filed, a warrant was issued, and the defendant turned himself in. His bail was set at $250,000 unsecured and is to have no contact with the victim. A preliminary hearing has been set for February 12, 2026. “The message here is as simple as it is clear- when it comes to other people’s bodies, no means no, and stop means stop. That’s what we tell our kids and it holds true throughout life, no matter who you are or how talented an athlete you might be. I want to commend the victim in this case for having the strength to come forward and commend the Villanova University Police Department for a thorough investigation. The University community should know that their department carried out this investigation as quickly and as diligently as possible.” said District Attorney Tanner Rouse.
This investigation remains ongoing. The District Attorney’s Office urges anyone with additional information to contact the lead investigator on this case, Lt. Michael Gownley of the Villanova University Department of Public Safety and Police at 610-519-5800.
The District Attorney would like to remind everyone that all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For press inquiries, please contact Kelly Wilson – Public Relations Director, Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, wilsonk@co.delaware.pa.us or 610-891-4185.