FBI seeks help identifying victims of violent sexual assault offender
Aug 2, 2023, 8:00 PM | Updated: 9:04 pm
FBI seeks help identifying victims of violent sexual assault offender (FBI Public Affairs Portland Division)
(FBI Public Affairs Portland Division)
PORTLAND, Oregon — The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Portland Field Office is asking for assistance in identifying potential victims of a sexual assault predator who has been known to frequent least 10 states.
29-year-old Negasi Zuberi, who also goes by the names Sakima, Justin Hyche, and Justin Kouassi, is in federal custody after a victim escaped abduction.
The victim alleges she was abducted, sexually assaulted, and locked in a makeshift cinderblock cell.
On July 15, 2023, in Seattle, Zuberi allegedly lured a prostitute and impersonated an undercover police officer.
The victim said that Zuberi threatened her with a taser, bound her with handcuffs and leg irons.
After that, the victim said he then drove 450 miles to his home in Klamath Falls, Oregon all the while, subjecting her to sexual assault.
Upon reaching his home, Zuberi locked her to a cinderblock cell. After that, the victim was able to escape and alert authorities. This resulted in Zuberi’s apprehension in Reno, Nevada, after a brief standoff.
FBI investigation into other victims of sexual assault
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Shark at the FBI Portland Field Office commended the woman’s courage. She noted that her escape potentially saved other victims from a similar fate.
Shark also noted that Zuberi’s criminal activities have been traced to multiple states. This revealing connections to violent sexual assaults in at least four states with the potential for more.
Zuberi has traveled across 10 states over a decade. He has been known to frequent states like California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, and Nevada.
He was known to frequent Washington County, Utah since 2016.
FBI investigators suspect additional victims and urge anyone with information to come forward.
Zuberi, has been known to employ tactics to overpower victims, including drugging and impersonating law enforcement officers, often using threats to prevent police involvement.
To report any information, visit fbi.gov/SakimaVictims or tips.fbi.gov. You can also contact the FBI Portland Field Office directly at (503) 224-4181 or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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