A student at St. John’s University (SJU) in Collegeville, Minn., is accused of raping a woman after entering her residence while she slept, charges say.
Brian Muindi Kimithi, 19, has been charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct through use of force after a woman said she woke up to Kimithi forcibly raping her.
Police had been called to a residence on a report of sexual assault on Tuesday just after 3 a.m. on College Avenue South, which runs through the campus of College of Saint Benedict (CSB). However, the charging document does not specify whether the address was on campus or whether the victim is a student.
The victim later told police that she tried to push the suspect away, told him to stop, and tried to yell for help. The suspect then grabbed the victim’s throat and began strangling her with one hand, while pushing down with full force on her neck. The woman said she had difficulty breathing while being strangled.
The woman told police that the sexual assault went on for two to three minutes before he stopped and she was able to leave the room. She reported the assault to another person, who called the police.
Law enforcement observed and photographed scratches and bruising to the victim’s neck, as well as scratches to her chest, stomach, and shoulder. The victim said she had pain in her throat and had trouble swallowing following the assault.
The suspect, identified as Kimithi, was located and placed under arrest. In a Mirandized statement, Kimithi admitted to performing a sex act on the victim. Jail records show he was booked into jail about 90 minutes after the initial police response on Tuesday.
Kimithi was charged in Stearns County District Court on Thursday and made his first court appearance yesterday morning. He’s being held on $400,000 bail.
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CSB / SJU has now released a statement to parents and families about Brian Kimithi's charge of rape. The statement does not address whether Kimithi was employed as security.The school has not yet replied to our inquiry for confirmation and other questions. pic.twitter.com/XzcnsTwCp0
— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) January 30, 2026
Crime Watch Minneapolis obtained a copy of an email reportedly sent by SJU/CSB to parents and families, which stated they were aware a student had been arrested. The nature of the arrest was not specified in the email but said their institutions were fully cooperating with the St. Joseph Police Department.
SJU/CSB said in the email that they were not aware of any safety concerns to students on campuses, and they’ve taken measures to make sure buildings are secure.
A tipster told Crime Watch Minneapolis that Kimithi is a Kenyan national attending SJU on a scholarship, and that Kimithi was allegedly working as security for CSB in their Life Safety program. Crime Watch had not been able to confirm that information prior to this report, and an inquiry to CSB requesting confirmation was not responded to in time for this report.
Kimithi’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 23.
Alpha News and Crime Watch will continue to follow any developments in the case.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
