SALISBURY, MD – A 27-year-old woman from Washington, D.C., has been charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree rape, assault, and false imprisonment, after allegedly attacking a female Salisbury University student earlier this year. The incident, which occurred on campus, has left the community stunned and sparked renewed concerns about student safety.
According to court documents obtained by WBOC, Salisbury University Police were first alerted to the situation on February 23, 2025, after the victim contacted authorities to report a sexual assault. Police met with the student, who detailed a series of traumatic events involving a woman she had recently met.
How the Victim and Suspect Met
The victim told investigators she had met the accused, identified as Ryan Nicole Stubbs, several weeks earlier while walking on the university’s campus. Although Stubbs was not a Salisbury University student, the two began speaking frequently and developed a relationship primarily through video chats, according to the charging documents.
On February 22, the victim met up with Stubbs in Salisbury and brought her back to campus using a ride-share service. It was during the Uber ride that, according to the victim, Stubbs began touching her inappropriately, despite the victim’s repeated requests to stop. The victim reportedly pushed Stubbs away, but the behavior continued.
Assaults Inside the Dorm
Upon arrival at the victim’s dormitory, the situation escalated. The victim claims that Stubbs took her phone without permission and then sexually assaulted her inside the dorm room. Court documents say the victim asked Stubbs to leave on several occasions, but the suspect continued to linger and used the victim’s student ID without authorization to enter and exit the building.
While the two briefly stepped outside together, Stubbs returned to the dorm under the pretense of collecting her belongings. Instead, police say, she demanded sex and assaulted the student a second time.
According to chilling court records, Stubbs allegedly threatened the victim, saying:
“This time I won’t be gentle with it. I will rough you up… I’m not gonna play with you. This time it’ll get worse.”
The victim reportedly tried to resist by calling for help, kicking Stubbs, and banging on the wall in hopes of alerting her roommates or nearby students. However, no one responded, and Stubbs allegedly continued the assault.
Later, during the early morning hours of February 23, the suspect allegedly assaulted the student a third time, physically restraining her by the neck and squeezing her face. At around 6 a.m., Stubbs finally returned the student’s phone and warned her not to tell anyone about the incident.
Evidence and Arrest
Following the report, Salisbury University Police launched a full investigation. They reviewed video surveillance footage from campus cameras that aligned with the victim’s timeline. In addition, electronic access logs confirmed that the student’s ID card had been used at the building entrance at times consistent with her statements.
An arrest warrant for Stubbs was issued on February 27, but it would take over three months before authorities located and detained her. She was arrested on June 4 and is currently being held without bond at the Wicomico County Corrections Center, according to online court records.
Charges Filed
Stubbs now faces a total of 23 charges, including:
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Three counts of first-degree rape under threat of death or serious physical harm
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Two counts of first-degree rape related to burglary
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One count of second-degree rape
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Second-degree assault
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Fourth-degree sex offense
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Unauthorized removal of property
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Trespassing
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Unlawful use of another person’s government-issued ID
Each first-degree rape charge carries a possible life sentence if convicted. Combined with the other charges, Stubbs could face over 120 years in prison.
University Response
A Salisbury University spokesperson acknowledged awareness of the case but said the university would not comment on active legal proceedings.
“University officials are aware of the charges, but due to the ongoing criminal investigation, we are not able to provide further comment at this time,” the statement read.
Community Impact
The case has shaken the Salisbury University community and raised questions about how non-students can access campus spaces and student residences. Student advocates are calling for stronger safety protocols, improved dorm access control, and better support systems for victims of sexual violence.
Law enforcement officials have praised the victim for her courage in coming forward and fully cooperating with investigators despite the traumatic nature of the alleged events. The university is expected to review internal safety procedures in light of the charges.
Stubbs is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in the coming weeks. The case continues to develop as both prosecutors and defense attorneys prepare for what is expected to be a high-profile trial in Wicomico County.
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