Suspect Arrested in Silver Spring Sheraton Hotel Rape

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SILVER SPRING, MD — A Silver Spring man was arrested Tuesday for the rape earlier this month of a woman at the Sheraton Hotel in the city, and authorities fear there could be more victims they haven't heard from yet.

Detectives have arrested and charged Seydou Badiaka, 21, of Sligo Avenue in Silver Spring, with first-degree rape, first-degree assault, and armed robbery of a 23-year-old woman.

On April 6, police received a 9-1-1 call from the victim, who was at the Sheraton Hotel, 8777 Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring. Investigators say the victim met Badiaka on a website and arranged to meet him at the Sheraton.

When Badiaka arrived at her room and the victim opened the door, Badiaka reportedly held a steak knife to her throat and demanded money. After taking the woman's money, Badiaka sexually assaulted the victim, then fled from the hotel, police say.

Badiaka was identified as the suspect through cellular phone records.

Detectives arrested Badiaka at his residence. He was taken to the Central Processing Unit and is being held without bond.

Anyone who believes they were a victim or who has information about a victim is asked to call the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5050.

»Photo of suspect Seydou Badiaka, courtesy of Montgomery County Police