The Nothern Caribbean University (NCU) has sought to distance itself from stories involving one of its lecturers on kidnapping and sexual charges in the United States.

Russell McLean, a lecturer in the College of Humanities, Behavioural and Social Sciences at NCU is to be extradited to the United States of America to be prosecuted on kidnapping, armed burglary and armed sexual battery charges.

McLean has been a lecturer in the College of Humanities, Behavioural and Social Sciences at the private Seventh-Day Adventist-run university, formerly West Indies College, for 18-and-a-half years.

READ: NCU lecturer to face kidnapping, sexual battery charges in US

NCU in a statement said the offences were allegedly committed prior to being employed by the institution. They also revealed that prior to his employment, a thorough background check was done and nothing damaging was uncovered.

“At the time of Mr McLean’s employment, approximately 20 years ago, the normal background checks were done and nothing damaging, such as these allegations, were uncovered. The University Administration regrets this unfortunate development regarding a faculty member,” the statement read.

NCU says it will now allow the law to take its course and will therefore refrain from commenting on the matter any further.

McLean on Wednesday waived his right to an extradition hearing and agreed to go to the US to face charges of armed sexual battery; armed burglary of a dwelling; armed kidnapping; burglary; possession of burglary tools; and resisting law enforcement with violence.