New charge filed on Columbia doctor accused of rape

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Charges were refiled against a Columbia doctor on Monday who is accused of raping a woman behind a Columbia bar in 2022.

Travis Birkhead, 38, was charged with first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping and fourth-degree assault, a misdemeanor. A warrant for Birkhead’s arrest was filed on Monday and a $50,000 bond was set. He is not currently on the Boone County Jail roster. Birkhead was previously charged with first-degree rape and fourth-degree assault.

According to previous reporting, prosecutors claim Birkhead took a woman behind a bar on East Business Loop 70 on Oct. 22, 2022 and sexually assaulted her in the woods behind the bar. Columbia police said surveillance video showed the woman having difficulty standing up while the two went out of view. Columbia police claim Birkhead texted another person that he had sex with the alleged victim behind the bar.

In another case, Birkhead is charged with two counts of first-degree harassment and two counts of violating an order of protection.