The Columbus Division of Police is still investigating the “Northwest Serial Rapist,” who is believed to be responsible for seven attacks in northwest and west Columbus. Although it has almost been five months since the first attack, police remain hopeful that they will find new leads.
Ben Levitan, a pioneer in cell phone design and development whose expertise includes location-based cell phone evidence, said he believes the rapist could easily be caught if he has a cell phone.
Levitan was an expert witness in the murder trial of Julie Popovich, a former Ohio State student whose remains were found near Hoover Dam on Sept. 1, 2005, nearly a month after she disappeared from Ledo’s Lounge on North High Street.
By comparing cell phone records of the suspect and Popovich, Levitan said he believes the man convicted of the of the crime, Adam Saleh, is innocent. However, these findings were never presented to the jury.
The jury found Adam Saleh guilty and he is currently serving 38 years to life in prison.
Laura Merritt, Verizon’s midwest spokeswoman, confirmed that a cell phone can be tracked if it is turned on, even if there is no activity at the time.
Ben Levitan“You could find a list of numbers really quickly, and most likely only find one common phone number between the lists,” Levitan said.
And that one phone number would most likely lead police to the serial rapist, Levitan said.
Verizon was quick to offer help. “We have assisted hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country and would certainly work to assist the Columbus Police,” Merritt said.
Columbus police Sgt. David Pelphrey of the special victims and sexual assault unit is skeptical of Levitan’s theory.
“If I could say one thing, I’d say it’s preposterous,” Pelphrey said. “But anything’s conceivable.”
Pelphrey does not deny the importance of technology but said he doubts that it is the key to identifying the rapist.
“Ultimately, technology is not what’s going to solve this case – it’s a lot about communication, following up on clues and going out and knocking on doors,” Pelphrey said.
Until the serial rapist is apprehended, police suggest women take a proactive approach to their own safety.
Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is collaborating with the FBI, Fraternal Order of Police and CoreTactix Self Defense and Fitness Training to organize eight free women’s self defense classes to accommodate 600 participants. Although the classes are sold out, women can join a waiting list at stopcrime.org.
Leigh Brock can be reached at [email protected].
