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'One of the worst rapes that we've seen': Man accused of raping girl in dorm indicted on other sexual assaults

Prosecutor Melissa Powers called August's attack "very violent, very heinous"
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CINCINNATI — A man accused of posing as a resident adviser and raping a 17-year-old girl inside a University of Cincinnati residence hall now faces charges on two additional sexual assaults, according to a press release from the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office.

Kadarius Short, 24, has been indicted on three counts of sexual battery, three counts of rape, one count of aggravated burglary, one count of aggravated robbery, one count of robbery, one count of kidnapping and one count of strangulation. If convicted on all charges, he could spend up to 59 years in prison.

On August 24, police said Short claimed to be an RA when he knocked on the girl's door inside The Deacon, an apartment-style dorm near campus. He told the girl he was an RA investigating a noise complaint, using the ruse to get inside the girl's apartment. Once inside, he allegedly strangled her with a phone charging cord, forced her onto her bed and raped her. He also implied to her he was armed with a gun.

Short then took the girl's phone and tried to use apps on her phone to send himself $600. When that failed, he forced her to walk to an ATM and withdraw $400, which he stole before he ran away.

"The victim is very strong and survived this attack," Prosecutor Melissa Powers said. "A very violent, very heinous, one of the worst rapes that we've seen. This is everybody's worst nightmare as a young woman."

Prosecutors said the investigation into this attack revealed two additional attacks in which Short had sexually assaulted women.

"He's definitely considered a serial rapist," Powers said.

Just two months prior, in June, Short met another 17-year-old girl on Facebook. The two were at the same party one night when the girl fell asleep. When she woke up, prosecutors said Short was raping her.

In 2021, Short was once again at The Deacon, walking an 18-year-old woman home from a party, prosecutors said. When the woman fell asleep, Short allegedly sexually assaulted her.

"These young women were just starting their adult lives," Powers said in a press release. "Going away to college should be a time of hope and optimism. This man took that from his victims. They will never view the world the same way again."

Powers said they believe there could be more victims assaulted by Short who have not come forward yet. Anyone with information about Short can contact CPD detective Antonio Hamilton at 513-352-3542.

Powers urges additional victims to come forward.

"If additional charges come forward we hope he never gets out because these types of predators, they're never cured," Powers said. "We know there's no rehabilitation. We know if they are released that are going to continue to attack other women."

UC Police Public Information Officer Cantwell pointed students to a list of resources available to them on campus including UCPD Victim Services, UC Sex Crimes Information and UC's programs to help survivors of sexual violence.

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