Valley Forge cadet accused of sexual assault

A cadet at Valley Forge Military Academy and College has been charged with sexually assaulting another cadet in a dormitory room.

Jerrell McEachin, 19, is accused of forcing a female cadet to perform oral sex on him at Younghusband Hall last Wednesday, said an official familiar with the case.

The Valley Forge administration learned about the alleged incident and called Radnor Township police, who arrested McEachin, the official said. McEachin, who is now suspended, and the woman are college cadets.

In a statement Monday, Valley Forge said that it "enforces very high standards of moral character among its Corps of Cadets, and does not tolerate behavior which jeopardizes the safety or well-being of any of our community. It is because of this high standard that when 'conduct unbecoming' occurs, immediate action is taken, as it was in this instance."

In December, a guidance counselor was charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old cadet and providing alcohol to three other underage cadets. Symantha Hicks, 30, of Horsham, has denied the sexual-assault allegation but acknowledged giving minors alcohol. Valley Forge fired her before her arrest.

Contact staff writer Robert Moran at 215-854-5983, bmoran@phillynews.com, or @RobertMoran215 on Twitter.