Former UMass student accused of assaulting two women on campus in Oct. 2010 found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect

A former University of Massachusetts student accused of assaulting two women on campus on Oct. 15, 2010 was found not responsible for his actions and ordered to undergo observation at Worcester State Hospital for up to 40 days.

Following a two-day bench trial in Hampshire Superior Court, .Judge C. Jeffrey Kinder, on May 2, 2012,  found Luther Gorahkov, 25, of Providence , R.I. not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

A psychologist, testifying for the defense, said Gorahkov has bipolar disorder with psychotic features.

Gorahkov  was charged with assault with intent to rape, kidnapping and annoying or accosting a person of the opposite sex, following separate incidents in an Isenberg School of Management building.

The defendant spoke with police and admitted his involvement with both incidents.

Gorahkov later denied allegations that after approaching one student in the hall and alarming her, he entered a bathroom, where he attempted to push another student to the ground while reaching for his pants. The second student was able to escape and get help.

Gorahkov fled the scene after the alleged assaults and turned himself in five days later.