Man Raped Woman Following #MeToo Rally In Springfield: Police

SPRINGFIELD, MO — A Missouri woman was raped following a #MeToo rally in Springfield on Saturday, police say. The Springfield News-Leader reports 22-year-old Missouri State University student Zachary Alperin has been charged with second-degree rape and sodomy after he ignored a woman's request not to touch her because she was drunk.

According to charging documents, the two met after attending the Park Central Square rally against sexual violence on Oct. 6. The rally ended around 5 p.m., and the two went to several downtown Springfield bars together. Once back at her dorm, the woman told Alperin he could spend the night, but told him not to touch her because she was intoxicated. She then went to sleep, only to wake several hours later to find Alperin naked and on top of her. Alperin raped her, she told police, but she was eventually able to push him away.

"I guess I tried to force myself on her, and I feel like such a terrible person for it," Alperin reportedly told authorities, according to the News-Leader.

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Alperin was arrested Wednesday and has been released on $20,000 bond. No attorney was listed. Alperin has several minor drug charges and a speeding ticket also listed on his record.

Read more from the News-Leader.

Image via Green County Sheriff's Office