“I know you want this”: Columbia student allegedly sexually harassed a 19-year-old student

The New York Post reported that a 30-year-old college student told a 19-year-old student, “I know you want this,” as he sexually assaulted her in the building where they both live, according to prosecutors who appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Saturday.

Francois Barre, from France, was reportedly waiting for the 19-year-old victim outside the building. He offered to help her carry her groceries into her apartment. However, he did not take any of the groceries and instead followed her to her apartment.

After the two came through the door, Barre allegedly “forcefully kissed her on the neck and then pushed her against the wall and rubbed his body against her so she could not move,” according to a statement by Assistant District Attorney Meera Patel.

Shortly afterward, Barre put his hand under the woman’s dress and groped her buttocks, then put his hand under her dress and grabbed her breast, the report said. Although the victim attempted to push Barre away, she was unsuccessful, the report said.

The Post reported that Barre told the woman, “I know you want this. You taste good.”

According to the prosecution, Barre was filmed by a surveillance camera as he entered the house and left again a short time later.

After the teen informed authorities of the situation, Barre was soon arrested and charged with sexual assault and sexual battery. After the ordeal, prosecutors requested a restraining order and $20,000 bail.

The Post reported that Barre’s defense attorney Amanda Barfield said her client had just graduated with a degree in international relations from Columbia University and would soon be leaving the building where he and the victim had lived.

As a result, Barre allegedly lost his French passport and requested a supervised leave of absence, the report said. Barfield said her client simply wanted to “move out quickly.”

According to the NYPD report, rapes across New York City increased by 12% in 2024. There were a total of 132 rape reports in 2023, and there were already 148 rape reports in 2024 alone.

It is still unclear whether the victim and Barre communicated prior to the attack. It is also unclear whether Barre will face prison time if found guilty of the charges.

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