Missouri serial rapist sentenced to 291 years for attacks on women he met online

A Missouri man convicted of luring women through dating platforms before sexually assaulting them has been sentenced to 291 years in prison.

People reported Yahya Maly received the lengthy sentence on June 16 after a St. Louis jury found him guilty in April on 17 criminal counts, including multiple charges of rape and sodomy. Prosecutors said the attacks took place over a period spanning roughly two years and affected several women.

According to authorities, Maly used dating apps and websites to meet victims before carrying out the assaults. Prosecutors alleged that he specifically targeted women through platforms that catered to Muslim users, including sites that promoted abstinence before marriage.

Prosecutors Said Victims Were Targeted Through Dating Platforms

The case first emerged in February 2025 when Maly was charged in connection with multiple sexual assaults. Investigators later expanded the case through a superseding indictment that added additional allegations, including a rape prosecutors said occurred in February 2025 shortly before his arrest.

During the trial, testimony revealed how several women believed they were entering legitimate relationships before being attacked.

One victim testified that Maly removed her hijab without permission before sexually assaulting her and then claimed they were married. According to court testimony reported by local media, the woman said she was left shocked and confused by the encounter.

Victims Described Lasting Trauma

Authorities said Maly forcibly raped multiple women between March 2023 and March 2024. The convictions stemmed from a series of incidents that prosecutors argued demonstrated a pattern of predatory behaviour.

At sentencing, victims described the emotional and psychological impact of the assaults. One woman told the court that the attacks had left her struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and ongoing counselling needs.

She also spoke about concerns over how the trauma could affect her future relationships and family plans.

The 291-year sentence ensures Maly will spend the rest of his life in prison. Prosecutors said the punishment reflects both the number of victims involved and the severity of the crimes for which he was convicted.