FBI Seeks Public’s Help In Identifying Victims Of Accused Violent Sex Assault Offender

Portland, Ore. — The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Portland Field Office is seeking assistance from the public to identify potential victims of an accused violent sex assault offender, Negasi Zuberi (also known as Sakima, Justin Hyche, and Justin Kouassi). The 29-year-old suspect is currently in federal custody for interstate kidnapping after a Washington woman escaped from his home in Klamath Falls, OR, where she claimed to have been kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and confined in a cinderblock cell.

According to court records, on July 15, 2023, Zuberi traveled from Klamath Falls, OR, to Seattle, WA, where he allegedly solicited the services of a prostitute and posed as an undercover police officer. The victim reported that he threatened her with a taser, handcuffed and placed her in leg irons, and then sexually assaulted her during a 450-mile trip to his home.

Upon arriving at his residence, Zuberi reportedly confined the victim in a makeshift cinderblock cell located in his garage. The cell had a metal door installed in reverse, preventing the victim from opening it from the inside. The victim managed to break free, flag down a passing motorist, and call 911 for help. Klamath Falls Police Department obtained a search warrant for Zuberi’s residence and discovered the described makeshift cell. Zuberi fled but was apprehended in Reno, NV, after a brief standoff with local police.

The FBI is investigating Zuberi’s activities in multiple states, as he has lived in ten states over the last ten years. Authorities believe there may be additional sexual assault victims in states such as California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, and Nevada.

Potential victims may know Zuberi by the name “Sakima,” and it is suspected that he may have used various methods to gain control over his victims, including drugging their drinks and impersonating a police officer. Victims are often threatened with retaliation if they report the incidents to the police.

Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Stephanie Shark, urges anyone who believes they may have been a victim or has information about Zuberi to visit the website fbi.gov/SakimaVictims, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, contact the FBI Portland Field Office at (503) 224-4181, their local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.