Officials seeking survivors of alleged ‘serial rapist’

Harris County law enforcement encouraged survivors of an accused “serial rapist” who allegedly used NASA credentials to get close to and assault at least six women to come forward Wednesday as he awaits his next court appearance.

Six women have accused Eric Sim, 37, of assaulting them between 2019 and 2022. He is charged with six counts of sexual assault of an adult, according to court records.

Sim is accused of using dating apps and websites to find the women and later sexually assault them, said Katelyn Howton, a detective with Houston Police Department’s Special Victim’s Division. She said he had likely continued using dating apps since the most recent accusation in 2022.

“Our investigation indicates there are possibly more survivors in the Houston area, as well as across the country, and possibly internationally,” Howton said Wednesday.

Sim’s criminal attorney, Neal Davis, denied the accusations and called him “professional” and “well-liked.”

“He’s gone out with many women,” Davis said. “A small number of them have made false allegations because of morningafter regrets.”

Prosecutors said Sim was employed by NASA. A spokesperson there confirmed the agency cooperated with law enforcement when they arrested an aerospace engineer on Feb. 29. He is still employed by the space agency.

Warrant details accusation

A woman told police this year that she had met Sim online and had entered a committed relationship with him, a search warrant affidavit read. She told police that she had gone to his home to watch a movie and share a bottle of wine.

She said by 9 p.m. they had some to drink, but not enough to get drunk. She told police she then woke up at 4 a.m. in his bed, naked, and was dizzy, sweating and vomiting. She said she then went to the bathroom and found bodily fluids.

She also reported some bruising and other physical ailments and sent photos to her friend, telling her she didn’t remember what happened. The next day, the woman also allegedly found she was wearing jewelry that wasn’t hers. About two weeks later, she was diagnosed with an STD, the affidavit read.

Social media investigated

Police were told about social media pages with allegations of abuse and sexual assault, warning other women “to be careful with” Sim, the search warrant affidavit read.

Women in the groups alleged he recorded sexual assaults and worried he might use the videos to keep them from reporting what had happened to law enforcement, according to court records.

While executing the search warrant at Sim’s home at the end of February, police seized items, including 14 cellphones, women’s underwear, nine hard drives and multiple cameras.

Sim is due in court later in April and has since posted bond.

“We know what a challenge it can be for sexual assault survivors,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said. “Whether a case is filed or not, both HPD and the District Attorney’s office offer victim’s support services along with advocacy.”

Officials said if there are other survivors, they should call the Houston Police Department at 713-308-1176.