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Suspected serial rapist arrested; police say more victims possible

Posted at 5:58 PM, Jun 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-26 18:58:22-04

Right now an accused rapist is in jail but police say more victims may be out there.

He's booked on four felony charges, accused of targeting women in North Omaha.

The victims in these cases range in age from 13 to 26 with the sexual assaults happening between the months of March and May. Police say there likely are more victims. 

Four sexual assaults - some only blocks apart - several involving young teenage girls in this North Omaha neighborhood. 

Police say 30-year-old Abdul-aleem Arthur is accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl near 24th & Ames on March 12th and  a 26-year-old woman who met Arthur to buy drugs near 30th & Fowler on March 30th.

Then on May 17th - police say he raped his youngest victim - a 13 year old runaway near 28th and Lothrup. 

Just days later on May 23rd, he's accused of assaulting a 19-year-old woman near 36th and Saratoga who met Arthur on a dating app.

We're unable to show you Arthur's mugshot because of OPD's ongoing investigation. They say more victims may be involved. 

"It is more unusual to have a sexual assault that's with a stranger. And also in instances where it is rape by a stranger people many times feel more compelled to report that. So it's not surprising people reported this in that sense," said Elizabeth Power, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the Womens Center for Advancement Omaha. 

The Women's Center for Advancement in Omaha is one resource for anyone who is experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.

They urge anyone who has experienced sexual assault to not be afraid to reach out if they need help.

"Many times victims of rape really hold a lot of guilt for rape happening to them. They maybe feel like they did something to lead somebody on or didn't do enough to stop an incident in no way shape or form is ever the fault of the victim always the fault of the rapist," said Power. 

OPD is also asking anyone with information on these cases to come forward. Crimestoppers is 402-444-STOP. 

The Women's Center for Advancement has a hotline number - they can be reached at 402-345-7273.