Columbia University student accused of sexually abusing another student

“I know you want this,” a male Columbia University graduate student shouted as he groped and fondled a resisting female classmate in the building where the two live, prosecutors alleged in Manhattan criminal court on Saturday.

Francois Barre, a 30-year-old French man, allegedly waited outside the 19-year-old victim’s building on Morningside Drive on Thursday afternoon and offered to help her carry groceries into her apartment, prosecutors said.

He did not buy any groceries but followed her to the door, where he “gave her a firm kiss on the neck and then pushed her against the wall and rubbed his body against her so she could not move,” Assistant District Attorney Meera Patel said at his arraignment in court.

Barre then put his hand under her dress several times, grabbed her buttocks and put his hand inside the top of her dress and grabbed her breast, Patel said. The victim tried to push him away but was unable to.

“I know you want this. You taste good,” the creep told the frightened victim, according to the criminal complaint.

Patel said Barre was caught on surveillance camera “entering the building with the plaintiff and then leaving shortly thereafter.”

The teenager immediately reported the incident to Columbia University security, who then called 911. Barre was arrested outside the building and charged with sexual assault and sexual battery.

The teenager told authorities she was terrified of Barre and of seeing him in her building – where they live on the same floor, Patel said.

Prosecutors requested a temporary restraining order and $20,000 bail.

Barre’s defense attorney Amanda Barfield said he had just completed his master’s degree in international relations at Columbia University and would soon move out of the building.

She said her client had lost his French passport and was requesting supervised release.

“He just wants to get out of here quickly,” Barfield said in court.

Judge Robert Mandelbaum approved the supervised release and the prosecutor’s request for a temporary restraining order restricting him from staying near the victim.

Barre is not allowed to have any contact with her other than occasional contact in the building where you both currently reside, the sole purpose of which is to remove your belongings, the judge said.

Outside the courtroom, Barre cried. He refused to speak.

“I would rather not comment,” he told the Post.