Photographer Accused of Drugging, Raping Young Women

MCMMINNVILLE, Ore. (AP) – Authorities in Oregon say a professional photographer has been indicted on more than 30 charges, including rape, after he allegedly brought young women and girls to a rural property and drugged and assaulted them.

At a news conference Wednesday Yamhill District Attorney Brad Berry said local police and the FBI are looking for other women who may have been victimized by 52-year-old Robert A. Koester, who is in custody in California. Koester was already facing similar charges in San Diego County involving four teenage girls.

In Oregon, a grand jury indicted Koester on 32 counts related to four victims – one a minor and three young adults. The charges include first-degree rape.

Berry said multiple images had been recovered from Koester’s property and that he would bring women and young girls from other states to Oregon.