A Denver man who allegedly smashed a stool over a woman’s head, choked her into unconsciousness and then sexually assaulted her has been charged in connection with the incident.
Ben Depue, 48 had been charged with felony sexual assault and third-degree assault.
According to a probable cause statement submitted by Denver police, the woman claimed she was assaulted over a six-hour period last Sunday.
The 38-year-old woman said she and Depue had been drinking at her Denver residence when Depue said he wanted to have sex.
She said when she resisted his advances, Depue became angry, grabbed a stool and hit her over the head, then struck her with a crutch multiple times.
As she attempted to flee the apartment, she said Depue grabbed her around the throat and strangled her, causing her to lose consciousness.
When she regained consciousness, she said Depue was pulling off her clothes. She said he repeatedly struck her in the face with his fist when she continued to resist. He then sexually assaulted her.
She said the assault began about 4 a.m. and lasted until about 10 a.m.
In addition to being sexually assaulted, the victim had bruises on her arm, face and back as well as a cut to her upper lip, according to the document.
Depue left the apartment about 6:30 p.m. During the time he was there, the woman said she felt she could not safely leave. After he left, a friend took her to St. Anthony’s Central Hospital.
At the apartment, investigators recovered a broken stool, and bloody bedding and rags in the bedroom.
Depue is being held at the Denver County Jail where his bond is set at $100,000.
The sexual assault is a class three felony; the third-degree assault is a class one misdemeanor.
Depue will be formally advised of the charges Friday.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
