According to reports, Macheret had been the subject of an investigation regarding complaints about a “suspicious man approaching women” in the area. Lafayette PD stated that officers first received such a report back in December but that several similar reports had been made since then. Reports also indicated that a cop in street clothes had been used during the “lengthy investigation” into the complaints.
A statement from the university said that “Purdue is aware of the arrest and charges” and that the “university will cooperate fully with the investigation.” The statement added that Macheret has been “barred from campus” while the investigation unfolds. The statement also said that Macheret has been “placed on leave,” though whether that leave is paid or unpaid was not made clear.
Macheret’s country of origin has not been confirmed, but he did receive a master of science degree from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology in 1980 and a Ph.D. from the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy in Moscow in 1985.
His profile at the school’s website claims he was hired as a professor at Purdue in 2014 and that he specializes in plasma research. He has received a series of accolades during his career, including “Service Recognition Awards” and an “Aero Star Award,” both from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. He was also the chair of the AIAA Plasmadynamics and Lasers Technical Committee for two years and is currently a fellow with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
When Macheret is expected to appear in court and how much time he faces if convicted remain unclear.
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