Deputies Continue Search for Possible Rape Victims

As Rashad Hales awaits a court appearance on attempted murder and rape charges, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies continue their search for more possible victims.

Hales, 19, was arrested Dec. 30, 2011, following an attack and manhunt in the Town ‘N Country area. The Tampa resident worked as a salesman for Secure Watch, an authorized dealer of ADT security systems.

According to Detective Larry McKinnon of the sheriff’s office, Hales knocked on a woman’s door just before 6 p.m. Dec. 30 to sell a security system. The woman turned him away, but Hales returned a few minutes later, forced his way into the home, strangled and raped her, McKinnon said.

Hales then threatened the woman’s life if she notified authorities and fled the home on foot. He was caught a short while later by deputies.

It’s what happened following Hales’ capture that has deputies believing there might be more victims from Hillsborough and other surrounding counties.

During an interview with detectives, Hales admitted to the attack and “regretted only that he did not kill the victim,” McKinnon wrote in an earlier media release.

“We think that his level of confidence (in) his threats and the fact that she wasn’t going to say anything may have been built upon by other incidents where victims may have been silenced,” McKinnon said in an interview today. “It’s a strong possibility that (confidence) was all built upon through these victims. We’re hoping that’s not the case, but if it is we want those victims to know it’s safe for them to come forward.”

The victim in the case was medically cleared and released. Her name is not being released to protect her identity.

According to The Tampa Tribune, Hales was expected to appear in court this morning on a laundry list of charges, including attempted murder and sexual assault. He was held without bond over the weekend at the Hillsborough County Jail.

Patch was unable to contact officials from Secure Watch. McKinnon, however, said it appears as if Hales only worked for the company for a short time. Deputies are still working to obtain information about Hales’ sales route, but McKinnon said it’s possible other victims might be from anywhere in Hillsborough or neighboring counties.

The sheriff's office is asking anyone with information about Hales to call 813-247-8200.