Columbia doctor charged with rape and assault denied bond reduction

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)

A Boone County judge rejected Monday a request to let a Columbia doctor go free on bond as he awaits trial for rape.

Travis M. Birkhead appeared by video for his arraignment Monday and pleaded not guilty to first-degree rape and fourth-degree assault. He has been jailed since October on no bond.

Birkhead's public defender argued for him to be released on his own recognizance with a GPS monitor but Boone County Judge Josh Devine denied the motion.

Investigators say they saw Birkhead on security camera footage leading a woman from a bar into a parking lot Oct. 22, according to a probable cause statement.

Birkhead would eventually lead the victim to a wooded area behind the bar in Columbia, police say.

According to court documents, the security camera footage showed the victim was unable to stand on her feet and was dragging them while being led into the woods. An hour later Birkhead allegedly returned to his vehicle and left the area. 

The probable cause statement says Birkhead later sent a text message to a friend of the victim telling them about having sex with the victim.

Birkhead was charged in a separate case with violating a protection order on Sept. 9, harassment and stalking on Sept. 19 and a violation of a protection order on Oct. 10.  

Birkhead is set to appear in court for a status hearing at 8:30 a.m. Jan 3.

Birkhead is licensed in Missouri as a physician practicing at 2475 Broadway Bluffs Drive in Columbia.