Two More Victims Discovered in Rape Accusations Against San Bernardino Man

PERRIS – Charges were amended on a 25-year-old rape suspect, accused of abducting a female friend from her home on October 23, raping her and holding her for nearly a week.

Anastasios Panagio Stefanidis

Anastasios Panagio Stefanidis, arrested on Jan. 13, was in court on Monday for amended charges after investigators discovered two additional victims, said reports. Stefanidis, of San Bernardino, pleaded not guilty last week to kidnapping, rape, assault, attempted lewd acts on a child, spousal abuse, burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and assault.

Records show that the rape was first reported on Nov. 23, a few weeks after the alleged rape took place, Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept. officials said. The victim reported that a man she knew took her by force and raped her in his car, said Sgt. Lisa McConnell. She said Stefanidis took the woman to a relative’s home in San Bernardino County, holding the victim against her will. Reports said that she was not physically kept prisoner, but stayed out of fear. Six days later, on Oct. 29, the victim said Stefanidis took her home.

McConnell did not say why it took the victim a few weeks later to report the crime. During the investigation, it was discovered that two other women had been sexually assaulted by Stefanidis, but McConnell did not elaborate on the additional victims.

Neither the rape victim’s age, nor her relationship with Stefanidis were divulged by police, who preferred to keep the woman’s name private. Bail records show that he’s being held on $1 million bail at the Southwest Detention Center in French Valley. Stefanidis is facing a life sentence if convicted on all counts, said a court official.

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