A former Google DeepMind executive has been charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct following an alleged assault on a female colleague in Minnesota.
Antony Sun Liwanag, 33, of San Francisco, is accused of assaulting the woman in St Louis Park on July 2, after the pair travelled to the area for a co-worker’s wedding.
Court documents state that the woman had attended a gathering at a bar before the wedding. Liwanag, who was also at the event, allegedly invited her to another bar, where they sat together while he collected drinks.
After several drinks, the woman told police she began feeling disorientated and extremely intoxicated. She said she believed her drinks may have been spiked.
The charges allege that Liwanag kissed her without consent despite her trying to push him away and saying no. He is also accused of reaching under her dress and touching her with his fingers while she was positioned between him and a wall.
Liwanag then allegedly arranged an Uber to take the woman to her hotel. The documents state that she tried to say she did not want to go, but struggled to control her body and collapsed outside the bar.
Hotel surveillance footage allegedly showed the woman appearing severely impaired and unable to walk unaided. Liwanag was reportedly seen carrying her towards her room and dragging her to a lift after she appeared to go limp.
Prosecutors allege that he attempted to sexually assault her again inside the hotel room. The woman was able to push him away and resist, according to the charges.
She returned home the following day and did not attend the wedding, the documents state.
Authorities have requested a warrant for Liwanag’s arrest, saying they believe he poses a danger to public safety.
Liwanag previously worked in strategy and operations at Google DeepMind, after spending nearly three years at YouTube. He had also held strategy and operations roles at Google and Southern California Edison.
A Google spokesperson said Liwanag “no longer works here” but provided no further details. Liwanag was contacted for comment.
