WEST PLAINS, Mo. (KY3) — A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper in Howell County is accused of raping a woman.

Ethan Minge pleaded not guilty to a second-degree rape charge. Minge serves Troop G based in Willow Springs.

Investigators say a woman claimed Minge went to her home in West Plains in October and pushed her on her back and had sex with her even after she told him no. Investigators say the victim claimed Minge apologized the next day.

Lieutenant Eric Brown with the Highway Patrol’s public information division sent KY3 a statement that reads, in part, “We are aware of the arrest of Trooper Minge. Trooper Minge is on administrative leave with no pay.”

Minge is scheduled to be in court later this month.

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