An Augusta man has been charged with multiple felonies after being accused of sexually assaulting his longtime girlfriend while she was experiencing a medical emergency.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, 42-year-old Christopher Winstead was arrested on May 15 and is facing charges of rape, aggravated sodomy, and kidnapping. The charges stem from an incident that occurred the evening of May 14.
The woman reported that she had begun experiencing symptoms of a seizure and reached out to Winstead for assistance. She was waiting in her vehicle outside his residence at the Campus Side Apartments when she lost consciousness. When she regained awareness, she told authorities she believed she had been sexually assaulted.
According to investigators, the woman had previously made clear through text messages that she did not consent to sexual activity. After the incident, she recorded a conversation with Winstead and provided the audio to law enforcement. She voluntarily underwent a forensic exam and sought medical attention at Doctors Hospital.
Winstead was detained at his apartment and remains in custody without bond at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. The case remains under investigation.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, help is available. The National Sexual Assault Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or online at www.rainn.org.
