US surgeon and girlfriend suspected of multiple rapes
WASHINGTON: An orthopedic surgeon in California who once appeared on a dating reality show and his girlfriend have been charged with drugging and sexually assaulting two women, in a case prosecutors suspect might involve hundreds of other victims.
Authorities told AFP on Tuesday they had received dozens of leads in the probe, just hours after a press conference held to try to encourage other women to come forward.
“I am being told by investigators that their phones have been very active this afternoon,” said Michelle Van Der Linden, a spokesman for Orange County prosecutors.
“People are calling with additional information and we will be busy tracking down all the additional leads.”
Grant William Robicheaux, 38, and his 31year-old girlfriend, Cerissa Laura Riley, were charged on Sept 11 with rape as well as drug and weapons-related offences in connection with two alleged assaults.
But investigators found hundreds of videos on Robicheaux’s phone after he was arrested, showing women “in various states of undress, consciousness and being assaulted”, Van Der Linden said. “We’re still going through those videos.” Robicheaux – who once appeared on Online Dating Rituals of the American Male television show – and Riley are due to be arraigned on Oct 25.
Orange County district attorney Tony Rackauckas said Robicheaux and Riley are believed to have worked in tandem at restaurants and bars to identify their victims and make them feel comfortable.
“We believe the defendants used their good looks and charm to lower the inhibitions of their potential prey.
“We’ve all heard of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Well, a wolf can wear scrubs or doctor’s clothing. Or a wolf can be a beautiful woman.”
The pair apparently used ecstasy, date rape drugs and cocaine to incapacitate their victims before assaulting them at Robicheaux’s home in Newport Beach, Rackauckas said. – AFP