Missouri man charged in alleged series of sexual assaults at St. Louis apartment
Officials say the alleged incidents occurred over several weeks at a Missouri apartment complex
Lorenzo Gaines has been charged in connection with a series of alleged sexual assaults involving three women at a St. Louis County apartment complex, with authorities warning that there may be additional victims.
The St. Louis County Police Department said Gaines faces four counts of rape, one count of sodomy, and one count of sexual abuse. He is currently being held in custody.
According to a criminal complaint, Gaines allegedly met one of the victims through Instagram and agreed to pay her for sex.
However, when she arrived at the apartment complex on April 9, she reportedly became uncomfortable with his request to engage in sexual activity in a public bathroom.
Prosecutors allege he then forcibly pulled her inside and assaulted her, placing a hand around her neck during the attack.
Police say a second woman reported a similar encounter the following day. She alleged that Gaines forced her into a bathroom, removed her clothing, and raped her despite her repeated verbal refusal.
A third alleged assault occurred on May 1, when Gaines reportedly met another woman under the same arrangement involving payment for sex.
She later told investigators she was also raped, according to the complaint.
Authorities believe the pattern of alleged attacks suggests there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
In a public statement, St. Louis County Police urged anyone with relevant information to contact the department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons as the investigation continues.