Related Federal Cases
- No Defendant Name Found, Interstate Kidnapping, Klamath Falls OR, 2024 · Washington
- Tina Sully Convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Felony Child Abuse, Abusive Sexual Contact, Sioux Falls SD, 2023 · Nevada
- Marlene Barkheimer, FDIC Advisory Committee Appointment, Washington… · Oregon
- Letitia James Secures Preliminary Injunction Against Trump Administ… · Vermont
- Letitia James, Revocation of Temporary Protected Status, New York, … · Delaware
Klamath Falls Man Convicted of Kidnapping and Sex Assault
A federal jury has found Negasi Zuberi, 30, also known as Justin Joshua Hyche, guilty of kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women. The crimes occurred in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
According to court documents, on July 15, 2023, Zuberi posed as a police officer and used a taser and handcuffs to detain his first victim in the backseat of his vehicle. He then transported the victim approximately 450 miles to his home in Klamath Falls, stopping along the way to sexually assault her.
Zuberi constructed a cell in his garage, where he held the first victim until she escaped. The next day, Reno Police Department officers and Nevada State Patrol officers located Zuberi in a parking lot in Reno, Nevada, after a short standoff. He surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody.
While investigating Zuberi’s crimes, federal agents discovered that he had kidnapped and sexually assaulted another victim six weeks prior to the first incident. The victims were held captive in Zuberi’s garage, where he constructed cells using stacked cinder blocks.
Zuberi was charged with kidnapping, transporting a victim with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. He was also charged with attempted escape. The case was investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office, Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon State Police, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies.
The federal jury found Zuberi guilty of all charges. He faces up to life in federal prison for kidnapping, up to 10 years for transporting a victim across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and up to 15 years for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. He also faces up to 15 years for attempted escape.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey S. Sweet, Marco A. Boccato, and Nathan J. Lichvarcik, with assistance from Appellate Chief Suzanne Miles. Zuberi’s sentencing is pending.
Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
