FBI Profiler Works On Serial Rapist Case

[dateline] -- An FBI profiler said people may be surprised when the northwest serial rapist is eventually caught.

FBI agent Harry Trombitas said the rapist is likely a power rapist as opposed to an aggressive rapist. His method of sexual assault shows he is trying to gain power and control over his victims, but not trying to beat or seriously injure his victims. In one case where a woman fought back, he ran away, NBC 4's Mike Bowersock reported.

Trombitas said it would be a mistake to focus only on the usual suspects, such as a rapist who is recently out of prison.

The man may be the "guy next door" who has an otherwise normal life.

He has tried to cover his tracks and has left no physical evidence behind after his assaults.

Trombitas has been brought into the case to help solve it.

The suspect has raped or molested six women all on the west, north or northwest side of Central Ohio since June 4.

According to police, four of the victims are in their early 20s, while the other two victims are 46 and 30 years old.

Police said they believe the man is stalking his victims, learning their living habits and then attacking them.

He attacks single women or women who are alone at night and generally strikes while his victims are asleep or in bed.

He struck once in June, once in September and four times in October. Two of the October attacks occurred on consecutive days.

The attacker also changed his timing in the incidents. The first few attacks occurred in the early morning hours, while the last two attacks occurred in the evening.

The man is by-and-large using weak and unlocked windows and doors to gain entry. 

In one attack, the suspect was able to reach through a mail slot entry.

Officials said they do not have a clear description of the suspect because he always wears a ball cap and bandana.

The suspect also covers the faces of the women so they aren't able to get a good look at his face.

In a photo taken at an ATM where the suspect used one of the victims' bank cards, his face is completely covered and one of the few identifying elements included a watch the man was wearing.

Two area watch dealers who spoke with NBC 4 and viewed photos of the watch said they couldn't identify the type of watch. One of the dealers said they believed the watch was a Rolex knockoff, but another dealer couldn't tell the brand but said it was a good watch and had high polished metal on the wristband as opposed to brushed metal.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 614-645-2437 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS.

A $2,000 reward has been offered for tips leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the person responsible for the attacks.

Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.

PREVIOUS STORIES:

Oct. 30: Search Continues For Serial Rapist

Oct. 29: Residents On Edge With Rapist On The Loose

Oct. 29: New Information Gathered On Serial Rapist

Oct. 28: Police Ask For Help Finding Serial Rapist

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