Authorities in Carrollton, Texas, have stated that they apprehended a suspected serial rapist that is HIV positive. Now, police think there may be other victims across the DFW metroplex.
On February 11, authorities talked with a sexual assault victim that was being treated at a Carrollton medical facility. They then apprehended 25-year-old Carlton Tambaoga for the alleged offense. They learned he has HIV.
When the investigation first started, police named at least five other sexual assault victims.
Authorities think Tambaoga has other victims throughout the metroplex, in Houston, and in Atlanta, Georgia, that haven’t been identified yet.
“I’m so grateful we’re living in a time where law enforcement collaborates in this way and has the evidence and the technology to be able to recognize that this individual is a serial perpetrator. So many survivors chose to make reports to police, and so many chose not to. Sexual assault is one of the most unreported crimes,” stated Amy Jones, the CEO of the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center.
Another issue is that Tambaoga is HIV positive. This means he could have given the infection to other possible victims.
“It’s always a concern. Most perpetrators are not using some form of protection when they perpetrate this sexual violence against another individual,” Jones added.
Investigators are now trying to contact additional victims as a component of the investigation. This could be hard to do as many people are scared to come forward.
Jones noted that if sexual assault survivors don’t want to report the crime, they should still get tested for STIs.
Tambaoga is now being held in the Denton County jail on two counts of sexual assault. His bond was set at $600,000, and more charges are expected.
The Carrollton Police Department is encouraging any sexual assault victims to seek medical attention immediately. They are also requesting that victims contact their local police department where the assault happened.
