Suspected Serial Rapist Pleads Guilty
COLUMBUS, Ohio—A man who told investigators he has had sex with 800 to 900 women over the past seven years pleaded guilty to rape and attempted rape Monday.
NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS.
Edwin “Gene” Zimmerman, 46, was arrested Thursday, July 3, 2008, after two women said they were abducted for sex.
He was charged with one count of rape and one count of abduction.
Zimmerman told CPD investigators he has had sex with 800 to 900 women over the past seven years.
Investigators said Zimmerman claimed to have targeted homeless women and prostitutes.
The point arose as the court was setting bond for Zimmerman. The prosecution revealed those comments in emphasizing the defendant has an aggressive sexual history.
Zimmerman is no stranger to the law. His criminal record is long and violent, according to authorities. In 1985, Zimmerman was charged with sexual battery. He also has been charged with numerous counts of domestic violence, although many were dismissed because his victims refused to testify. Zimmerman was convicted in 2005 for aggravated assault.
Columbus and London police put out a plea last summer to any woman who believes she was victimized by Zimmerman.
London Police Chief Peter Tobin said they believe Zimmerman may have abducted his victims from Columbus and taken them to his home in London.
Zimmerman sentencing was scheduled for Thursday, July 2, 2009 in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.
Zimmerman currently was being held at the Franklin County Jail.
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Reader Reactions
A “long and violent criminal record” and yet he was free to just walk around and do what he pleases, imagine that! Great system!
Jayb and Unrepentent - you are so right. When are we going to say enough is enough?
I think we have a good chance at rehabilitation here. He just enjoyed getting his willy wet like Clinton. So whats the problem….isnt Clinton still running around claiming he didnt do anything and that wife of his ...saying she cant remember anything ... at least this guy claims to remember 8 to 9 hundred, wow… he must be using a computer. Great opportunity for some lawyer here to make some bucks. We can milk this for a couple years .. surely there is a mental problem here in one of the guys two heads…
They had a suspect in custody dont know what happened to him.
What about the rapist that was targeting young women in NW Columbus last summer/fall…has he been caught?
Same old song and dance always a past record .Kill them after the first time.
Jesus christ courts how many times do we have to hear the same story over and over.
Ok, he’s admitted to it. Put a bullet in his head and dump him out with the garbage and be done with it.
Not worth wasting anymore of our tax money on.
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