A male Columbia graduate student, Francois Barre, was arrested on Saturday after being accused of sexually assaulting a female classmate inside their shared building on Morningside Drive. The incident took place on Thursday afternoon, as detailed by prosecutors during Barre’s arraignment in Manhattan criminal court.
According to Assistant District Attorney Meera Patel, Barre, a 30-year-old from France, allegedly waited outside the building and offered to help the 19-year-old victim carry groceries to her apartment. However, once inside, Barre forcefully kissed the victim on the back of her neck, backed her against a wall, and proceeded to grope and fondle her. Despite her attempts to resist, Barre persisted, making disturbing comments such as “I know you want this. You taste good.”
The victim promptly reported the assault to Columbia University Safety, who then contacted the authorities. Barre was subsequently apprehended outside the building and charged with sexual assault and forcible touching. The prosecution requested an order of protection and $20,000 cash bail.
During the court proceedings, Barre’s defense attorney, Amanda Barfield, mentioned that her client had recently graduated from Columbia with a Masters degree in international relations and would be moving out of the building soon. Barfield also stated that Barre had surrendered his French passport and requested supervised release.
Judge Robert Mandelbaum granted supervised release but emphasized that Barre must have no contact with the victim, except for incidental contact while removing his belongings from the building. An order of protection was issued to ensure the victim’s safety.
Outside the courtroom, Barre remained silent, refusing to comment on the matter.
