Wednesday, August 11, 1999
FBI joins search for rapist
At least three attacks similar, investigations show
BY RACHEL MELCER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Authorities in Hamilton and Warren counties are hoping to catch a man they think is responsible for at least three rapes.
Police and prosecutors formed a joint task force Tuesday to further investigate crimes committed in Mason, and two others that could be related: an assault in Blue Ash on July 29 and an assault in Montgomery on July 25.
The FBI and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) also are helping.
“Because of the number of similarities between the cases ... we thought it was important to make sure that all the information was shared and that we left no stone unturned,” Warren County Prosecutor Timothy Oliver said. “Given the number of events that have occurred (and) the similarities between them, the concern is that it will happen again.”
Police have gathered DNA evidence in three of the five cases, and have said it came from a single attacker. He is described as a white man in his mid-to-late 30s; 5 feet 10 inches tall, with blue eyes and a red moustache. He wore a ski mask when committing the crimes.
Three of the attacks occurred in the same Mason neighborhood, the latest on April 14 against a 27-year-old single mother asleep in her Butler-Warren Road home. A 12-year-old girl was raped in a nearby back yard in July 1998; a 14-year-old, in her house three months earlier.
Montgomery police are awaiting DNA test results to determine whether the same man is responsible for the July assault of a 6-year-old in her Winds subdivision home. Blue Ash police also are investigating an assault of a 17-year-old who fought off an attacker in her back yard.
“People need to lock their doors and be extremely careful until we find him,” Mr. Oliver said.
The two county prosecutors met Monday with police officials from Mason, Montgomery, Blue Ash and Sharonville, as well as FBI and BCI representatives.
FBI spokesman Ed Boldt said the agency has offered to help investigators develop a profile of the assailant.
A $2,000 reward has been offered.
Mr. Oliver said he is optimistic that police will get the man. “We have the DNA of the individual and as soon as we find him, we'll know that's who it is,” he said.
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