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Houston serial rapist suspect arrested, used social media to find victims
Houston police investigators say a serial rapist is off the street but they believe several of his victims still haven't come forward. FOX 26's Damali Keith speaks more on how detectives hope the accused rapist will stay and that they hope other victims may come forward.
HOUSTON - Houston police announced the arrest of a serial sexual assault suspect on Thursday and are encouraging any other potential victims to come forward.
Uffot Williams, 31, is charged with three counts of sexual assault in three cases dating back from October 2021 to January 2022. Investigators hope all the women who have been victimized will report what happened to them, so they can get justice.
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"He has used various dating websites and social media platforms to meet women," explains Houston Police Department Investigator Romona Chapa with HPD Adult Sex Crimes Unit.
According to police, the three victims reported meeting Williams online and through dating apps and being driven to bars in the Westheimer Road and Richmond Avenue areas.
"Each victim recalls becoming incapacitated after consuming alcoholic beverages brought to them by Mr. Williams," said Investigator Ramona Chapa with the HPD Special Victims Division Adult Sex Crimes Unit.
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After blacking out, the victims reported being taken back to hotels by Mr. Williams and then waking up alone and naked from the waist down, Chapa says.
Investigator Chapa says DNA was collected from the three Houston women and entered into the national Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
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HPD announces arrest of serial sexual assault suspect
The Houston Police Department announces the arrest of a serial sexual assault suspect who has been charged in three cases.
"And late 2022, a match occurred between the three cases which indicated a common male DNA profile was present. Prior to receiving the CODIS match, we were unable to develop a positive suspect identification," Investigator Chapa says.
The investigation led police to bring Williams in for questioning. Investigator Chapa says Williams "admitted to engaging in intimate relationships with two of the three women."
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"Two of the three victims reported they were sexually assaulted by Mr. Williams at the Crystal Inn located at 10830 Main Street," the investigator adds.
Williams was served with a DNA warrant for a sample. According to Investigator Chapa, "confirmatory lab reports indicate that he cannot be excluded as the common male DNA profile found."
Detectives believe the rapes began in 2021. They say Williams also frequented, "The Locker Room Sports Bar, which is located at 4702 Ennis Road, and Uptown Hookah Lounge at 5706 Richmond Avenue."
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He was charged in the three cases and arrested in May. He remains in the Harris County Jail.
Investigators are asking any other potential victims to speak with them.
"I would like to tell anybody that's listening if you are scared, we are here to serve and protect. Here in our unit, we start by believing. So it doesn't matter if you don't have labs done, haven't went to the hospital, we want to hear your story," Investigator Chapa said.
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The three victims are Black women between the ages of 25 and 30 who reported meeting Williams online, police say.
Her team is also offering these online dating safety tips.
"Meet in public places during daytime hours. Share your location with friends and family members. Plan your own transportation. Trust your instincts, and you have a right to say no, always," explains Detective Jacorey Chaney with HPD’s Adult Sex Crimes unit.
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"Video chat before meeting in person. Don’t give personal information to quickly," adds HPD Sgt. Cory Blanks.
"If you or anyone you know has encountered Uffot Williams under similar circumstances, please reach out to us at the Houston Police Department Adult Sex Crimes Unit," Investigator Chapa says.
Williams also has a prior criminal record of allegedly being violent with an ex-girlfriend by breaking down her door at her home. For the sexual assault charges, Williams is in jail on a $225,000 bond.
Investigators can be reached by calling 713-308-1180.