COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The investigation into the North-West serial rapist is far from over.
Police do have a potential suspect behind bars, though.
NBC 4's Lauren Diedrich dug deeper into the investigation and the potential suspect's background in this NBC 4 Crime Watch report.
1980. That was the first time the CPD's possible suspect entered the prison system. The conviction was arson.
Four years later, in 1984, he was jailed again. That time it was for almost 20 years. The convictions were aggravated burglary and rape.
The man held two women at gunpoint in 1983, according to court documents uncovered by NBC 4.
The documents said he climbed through their windows and attacked them in their bedrooms, shielding their eyes with his hand.
That behavior was similar to some of the city's serial-rapist attacks.
In April of 2007, the then 50-year-old was arrested for failure to report a change of address as a Tier-3 sex offender.
He was released one day later; he was able to plead to a lesser offense.
The judge involved in the case said it was a deal agreed upon by both the state and defense attorney.
The judge also told NBC 4 he believed the man truly made a mistake in failing to report his address.
As the potential suspect sits in jail facing another unrelated robbery charge, it remained to be seen if he will add another rape accusation to his lengthy criminal history.
CPD has not named the suspect because he hasn't been charged in connection with the serial rapes. CPD emphasized the man in question is a potential suspect and they continue to look into other suspects.
RAPE OR SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS
If you have been a victim of a rape or sexual assault and need help, here are some numbers you can call.
The OhioHealth 24-hour rape hotline is 614-267-7020. Or, call the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network toll free at 800-656-HOPE.
Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for the latest information in this developing story.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
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