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Police: Rape Suspect May Be Linked To Others

POSTED: 11:44 am MST January 29, 2008
UPDATED: 1:18 pm MST January 30, 2008

Authorities say a man arrested in November on suspicion of impersonating a police officer and raping a female escort may have attacked several other women over the last 20 years. Phoenix police said they believe 48-year-old Gary Geza Beres may be responsible for at least eight other sexual assaults dating back to 1988.

Police say photos, videos and other evidence seized from Beres' home may implicate him in the other assaults. Police have identified four of those women and are asking for the public's help in identifying the other three.

Beres is accused of contacting the victims after placing ads on Craigslist.org and other sites seeking female models for professional photo sessions. Police say Beres also operated a carpet cleaning service at one time and singled out his employees.

According to court records, Beres met his last victim, an escort, through Craigslist.org. He met her at a motel, pretended to be an officer, arrested her and said she owed him three favors for not taking her to jail.

Neighbors said Beres often behaved suspiciously and never let anyone see inside his home.

"He was likeable, he was, but he had a second side, and we guessed it," said former neighbor Herb Shaw.

Neighbors also reported Beres had odd markings on his vehicles.

“He had white vans and we would notice they'd say police on it and then after a couple of weeks or so, it was painted but you could still see the police sign underneath the paint,” said neighbor Doreena Lazau

Outside the house, Beres had an extensive security system set up with floodlights, motion sensors and at least one camera.

Beres has been indicted in connection with his November arrest on seven felony charges of kidnapping, sexual assault and impersonating a police officer. Guilty verdicts on all counts would mean a minimum 28-year sentence.


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