HOWELL COUNTY, Mo. —

A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper has been charged with second-degree rape after an investigation by the West Plains Police Department.

Charging records filed in Howell County accuse Trooper Ethan Minge of sexually assaulting a woman at her West Plains home on July 27, 2025. Advertisement

A probable cause statement says the woman reported Minge came to her residence and attempted to initiate sex.

She told investigators she repeatedly said no, but Minge allegedly persisted, pushed her onto her back, and had intercourse with her without her consent.

The following day, according to the affidavit, Minge texted the woman acknowledging she had told him no and apologized for what happened.

The court set a $10,000 bond with several conditions.

Minge joined the Mi

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