The article titled “Klamath Falls Man Indicted for Kidnapping and Sexually Assaulting Seattle Woman, Additional Victims Sought” reports on the indictment of Negasi Zuberi, a man from Klamath Falls, Oregon, on charges of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman from Seattle. The article states that Zuberi posed as a police officer, abducted the woman, and transported her to his home where he imprisoned and assaulted her. The woman was able to escape and seek help from a passing motorist. Zuberi was later apprehended by law enforcement in Reno, Nevada. The article also highlights that Zuberi has lived in multiple states, raising concerns that there may be additional victims. The case is being investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, and Zuberi faces severe penalties if convicted.
Indictment and Charges
Charges against the Klamath Falls man
On August 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Negasi Zuberi, a 29-year-old man from Klamath Falls, Oregon, with several serious offenses. Zuberi is accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman from Seattle, Washington. The charges against Zuberi include interstate kidnapping and transporting an individual across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Incident Details and Investigation
Posing as a police officer
According to court documents, the incident occurred on July 15, 2023, when Zuberi allegedly posed as a police officer in Seattle. He approached an adult woman, pointed a taser at her, and placed her in handcuffs. Zuberi then forcibly placed the woman in the backseat of his vehicle.
Transporting the victim to his home in Klamath Falls
After kidnapping the woman, Zuberi transported her approximately 450 miles to his residence in Klamath Falls. Along the way, he stopped multiple times to sexually assault her and even covered her face with a sweatshirt to further restrain her.
Sexual assault and escape of the victim
Once Zuberi arrived at his home, he moved the woman from his vehicle to a makeshift cell he had constructed in his garage. The victim managed to break open the cell door by repeatedly banging on it and successfully escaped. She then retrieved a handgun from Zuberi’s vehicle, fled the garage, and flagged down a passing motorist who called 911.
Arrest of the suspect in Reno, Nevada
On July 16, 2023, law enforcement officers located Zuberi in a retail parking lot in Reno, Nevada. After a short standoff, Zuberi surrendered and was taken into custody by the authorities.
Legal Proceedings
First appearance in federal court
Zuberi made his first appearance in federal court on July 26, 2023, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the District of Nevada. During the hearing, he was ordered to be detained pending his transfer to the District of Oregon.
Detention order and transfer to the District of Oregon
Following his initial court appearance, Zuberi was ordered to remain in custody. He will be transferred to the District of Oregon to face the charges brought against him.
Penalties for the Charges
Potential prison sentences for interstate kidnapping and transporting an individual with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity
Interstate kidnapping, one of the charges filed against Zuberi, carries a potential sentence of up to life in federal prison. The charge of transporting an individual across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
FBI Portland Field Office
The FBI Portland Field Office played a central role in the investigation into Zuberi’s alleged crimes.
Klamath Falls Police Department
The Klamath Falls Police Department provided valuable assistance to the FBI in their investigation.
Oregon State Police
The Oregon State Police actively participated in the investigation of Zuberi’s actions.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada provided assistance to law enforcement during Zuberi’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
Klamath County District Attorney’s Office
The Klamath County District Attorney’s Office collaborated with federal and state law enforcement during the investigation and will likely be involved in the prosecution of the case.
Reno, Nevada Police Department
The Reno Police Department was instrumental in locating and arresting Zuberi in Reno, Nevada.
Washoe County, Nevada District Attorney’s Office
The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office will be involved in the prosecution of Zuberi’s case in Nevada.
Nevada State Police
The Nevada State Police assisted in the apprehension of Zuberi and worked in conjunction with federal and local law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation.
Prosecution of the Case
Prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Brassell
The prosecution of Negasi Zuberi’s case will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Brassell from the District of Oregon. Brassell will present the evidence against Zuberi and advocate for the imposition of appropriate penalties.
Additional Victims and Suspect’s Movements
Zuberi’s residency in ten different states over the last ten years
Law enforcement agencies have discovered that Zuberi has lived in ten different states over the course of the last ten years. These states include California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, and Nevada.
Reasons to believe there may be additional victims
Given Zuberi’s history of residing in various states and the severity of the charges against him, law enforcement has reason to suspect that there may be other victims who have not yet come forward. The investigation will focus on uncovering any additional instances of criminal activity involving Zuberi.
Reporting Possible Crimes
Contact Information for reporting possible crimes committed by Zuberi
If you or someone you know has information about possible crimes committed by Negasi Zuberi, it is important to come forward and report it. To provide information, you can visit the website fbi.gov/sakimavictims or call 1-800-Call-FBI.
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Contact Information
Main office of the District of Oregon
For more information or any inquiries regarding the case, the main office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon can be contacted at 1000 SW Third Ave Suite 600, Portland, Oregon 97204.
Email and telephone contact details
To reach out via email, you can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon at USAO-OR. For general inquiries, telephone contact can be made to (503)727-1000.
In conclusion, the indictment and charges brought against Negasi Zuberi shed light on a disturbing case of kidnapping and sexual assault. The swift action taken by law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and apprehension of Zuberi highlights their commitment to justice and the safety of individuals in our communities. The prosecution of Zuberi will play a crucial role in holding him accountable for his alleged crimes, and efforts will continue to identify any additional victims who may have suffered at his hands. It is essential for anyone with knowledge or information about Zuberi’s activities to come forward and assist law enforcement in their pursuit of justice.