During the early morning hours of February 19, 2021, investigators with the Bozeman Police Department responded to a Bozeman area hotel to investigate a sexual assault. The victim reported being forcefully pulled into a male’s hotel room and sexually assaulted. The male was later identified as Masimba Irvine Ruwo, a resident of Boise, Idaho, and was taken into custody for aggravated kidnapping and aggravated sexual intercourse without consent, both felony offenses. Ruwo is being held without bond at the Gallatin County Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in the Gallatin County Justice Court.

This investigation is on-going and the information available to our investigators suggests this is an isolated incident. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call Detective Sergeant Joseph Swanson at 406-582-2951, or email jswanson@bozeman.net. Persons with information that help solve this crime may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward.

The period following a sexual assault is emotionally charged, confusing, and frightening. If you have experienced, or know of someone who has experienced, sexual assault help is available through the Bozeman Sexual Assault Counseling Center’s 24-hour crisis and support line at 406-586-3333.