Repeat offender thought to have committed at least three sexual assaults

Repeat offender thought to have committed at least three sexual assaults

Composite illustration by Athens Police Department.

Repeated instances of sexual assault around the uptown Athens area can be traced back to one man, Athens Police Department announced during a Thursday press conference.

Athens Chief of Police Tom Pyle released information regarding a series of related sexual assault cases that took place over an eight-and-a-half year period from June 2006 to December 2015.

“Clearly the city of Athens has a predator among us, and that person needs to turn themselves in,” Pyle said. “He need not victimize another person in our community.”

Pyle, who was joined by Ohio University officials and local law enforcement officers, noted the incidents are being classified as a “serial offender case,” which will prioritize the case in the city. APD has formally requested the assistance of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

The instances of sexual assault occurred in June 2006, June 2015 and December 2015. Pyle said the victims of the assaults were of “student age,” between 18 and 21 years old.

The rest of the conference addressed ways students can stay safe on and around campus, as well as what law enforcement planned to do to deter violent action. This includes more foot officers around campus and expanded late-night transportation.

Ohio University Chief of Police Andrew Powers said that in direct response to the assaults, CATS’ late night service will expand to run until 3:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, instead of the current 2 a.m. end time. The university also plans to add another bus after 1:00 a.m.

Pyle encouraged any other victims to come forward. The statute of limitations on sexual assault cases is 20 years, and the city plans to increase efforts to keep people safe.

“We will bring every resource we have to bear available to us to bring this person to justice,” Pyle said.