A married Oregon father accused of kidnapping a Washington woman and holding her hostage in a cinderblock cell in his Klamath Falls home made detailed notes to himself about how to carry out his depraved plan of attack, according to an affidavit.
“Twenty-nine-year-old, Negasi Zuberi (a.k.a. ‘Sakima,’ ‘Justin Hyche’ and ‘Justin Kouassi’), is in federal custody for interstate kidnapping after a Washington woman escaped his home in Klamath Falls, Oregon, claiming she was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and locked in a cinderblock cell,” the FBI’s Portland Field Office said in a Wednesday statement.
“According to court records, on July 15, 2023, Zuberi traveled from his home in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to Seattle, where he solicited the services of a prostitute, he then posed as an undercover police officer,” the statement continued. “The victim told investigators that he pointed a taser at her and placed her in handcuffs and leg irons and put her in the back seat of his car. He then traveled roughly 450 miles with the woman, sexually assaulting her during the trip.”
Zuberi’s alleged victim endured the stuff of nightmares.
Once he arrived at his home in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Zuberi the victim said he moved her into a makeshift cell that he had constructed in his garage.
“The cell was made of cinder blocks and a metal door installed in reverse so it could not be opened from the inside,” according to the FBI. “Once Zuberi left, the victim says she repeatedly banged on the door and was able to break the door open and escape the room. She was able to flag down a passing motorist who called 9-1-1.”
“According to the complaint, this woman was kidnapped, chained, sexually assaulted, and locked in a cinderblock cell. Police say, she beat the door with her hands until they were bloody in order to break free. Her quick thinking and will to survive may have saved other women from a similar nightmare,” Assistant Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Shark of the FBI Portland Field Office said. “We are fortunate that this brave woman escaped and alerted authorities. Through quick law enforcement action, we were able to get Zuberi in custody the next day.”
The FBI is now calling on any additional victims to come forward.
“While she may have helped protect future victims, sadly we have now linked Zuberi to additional violent sexual assaults in at least four states, and there could be more,” Shark said.
(Video: YouTube)
In Zuberi’s home, investigators found both the makeshift cell the victim described and notes allegedly written by the suspect detailing his plans for committing the heinous crimes.
One page of notes was titled “Operation Take Over” and featured two bullet points: “Leave phone at home” and “Make sure they don’t have a bunch of ppl [sic] in their life. You don’t want any type of investigation,” according to Fox News Digital.
“Dig a hole straight down 100 ft,” another note, this one with an accompanying drawing, read. Below it was what appeared to be a list with the words “concrete block,” “rubber coat,” “foam insulation” and “waterproof concrete.”
The fear now is that there are more unidentified victims out there.
According to the FBI:
Zuberi has lived in ten states over the last 10 years, and FBI investigators have reason to believe there could be additional sexual assault victims.
The FBI’s investigation has extended to multiple states where Zuberi previously resided between August of 2016 and today. Those states could include California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, and Nevada.
Victims may know Zuberi by the name “Sakima,” and it is believed he may have used several different methods to gain control of his victims, including by drugging their drinks and impersonating a police officer.
The victims are often threatened with retaliation if they notify the police.
If you believe you have been a victim or have any information concerning Zuberi (aka Sakima) visit fbi.gov/ZuberiVictims or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You can also contact the FBI Portland Field Office at (503) 224-4181, your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Zuberi was arrested in a Reno, Nevada parking lot on July 16, Fox News Digital reports.
According to the affidavit, “Law enforcement observed Zuberi holding one of his children in the front seat of his vehicle. Zuberi’s wife was outside the vehicle speaking to him.”
“When Zuberi was contacted by law enforcement, he refused to exit the vehicle and cut himself with a sharp object causing him to bleed profusely,” it continued. “He also attempted to destroy his phone. Zuberi eventually agreed to exit the vehicle and was taken into custody. The child was unharmed.”
Meanwhile, Zuberi’s alleged victim is doing well under the horrifying circumstances.
“The victim is strong and courageous and right now she is physically okay,” Shark said. “We are working with her through our Victim Services Department to make sure that she has whatever resources she needs to continue to be resilient.”
Zuberi has been charged with kidnapping and transportation with intent to engage in sexual activity.
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Melissa Fine is the former executive editor of Casino Player, Strictly Slots, and Poker
Digest magazines. She is a UCLA graduate, news junkie, and dedicated Stargate SG-
1 fan. Melissa currently lives with her dog and two cats in a tiny town in the Sierra
Nevada foothills.
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