A 20 year old man who police say sexually assaulted a 17 year old girl who refused his advances was arrested today and charged with rape, and he faces the possibility of up to 20 years in prison, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Police spokeswoman Jennifer Rodriguez says Maurice Bristow, 20, who she says was recently discharged from the military, met the victim near Loop 410 and Highway 90 on the west side.
They went into his car, where she says Bristow wouldn't take no for an answer.
"He then physically assaulted the victim in this case," she said. "She tried to get out of the vehicle to escape, but she was able to get her back into the car, where he ultimately sexually assaulted her."
Rodriguez says the sexual assault included an incident which frequently makes young victims think twice about reporting the crime.
"The suspect is accused of offering drugs and alcohol to the victim," she said. "I know that in many of these types of cases the victim feels ashamed and embarrassed because she has taken alcohol and drugs."
Rape experts say giving a woman under the age of 21 alcohol and drugs is a traditional way of convincing the victim not to testify, because she is afraid she'll get into trouble for underage drinking and drug use.
While being walked out to a police care, Bristow said 'I'm innocent' and refused to elaborate.