Man Accused of Holding Sex Worker Captive Attempts Escape from Oregon Jail
Negasi Zuberi, a 29-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a sex worker and holding her captive in a cinder block cell in his garage, has now attempted to escape from the Oregon jail where he is being held, according to authorities. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday that Zuberi is now facing charges of second-degree attempted escape and first-degree disorderly conduct.
Zuberi is currently being held in the Jackson County Jail on a federal interstate kidnapping charge. The incident occurred when a maintenance worker outside the jail heard a suspicious sound coming from inside a cell on Tuesday around 12:45 p.m. Responding deputies discovered Zuberi standing on his bunk near a chipped window in his cell. A search of the cell revealed an improvised tool that authorities believe was used to damage an interior section of the window. It is important to note that the facility’s exterior windows are made of reinforced glass.
Following the incident, Zuberi was detained and subsequently moved to a cell without windows. As of now, his lawyer has not responded to requests for comment.
Zuberi was initially arrested last month after federal authorities accused him of posing as a police officer to kidnap a sex worker in Seattle. He allegedly sexually assaulted the woman while driving her approximately 450 miles to his home in Klamath Falls, Oregon, where he held her captive in the cinder block cell in his garage.
The woman managed to escape after spending hours “beating down the cell,” according to Stephanie Shark, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Portland field office. Zuberi was eventually arrested on July 16 after a 45-minute standoff with authorities in Reno, Nevada.
Shark revealed that Zuberi, who has multiple aliases and has lived in 12 states over the last decade, is currently being investigated in connection with at least four other sexual assaults in four different states. Authorities discovered a note at his home suggesting plans for additional assaults. However, no charges have been filed in relation to these investigations.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
What additional charges does Negasi Zuberi face as a result of his attempted escape?
Ing additional charges of attempted escape.
Zuberi’s alleged crimes came to light in June when a sex worker reported to the police that she had been held against her will and sexually assaulted by him. Authorities quickly arrested Zuberi and confiscated evidence from his property, including a cinder block cell in his garage where the victim was allegedly confined.
Since his arrest, Zuberi has been housed in an Oregon jail awaiting trial. However, his situation took a dramatic turn when he attempted to escape from custody. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office discovered his escape attempt and promptly apprehended him before he could succeed.
In response to his escape attempt, Zuberi now faces further charges, compounding the serious allegations already levied against him. Authorities have not released further details about the attempted escape, but it serves as a stark reminder of Zuberi’s dangerous nature and the necessity of keeping him securely detained.
The case against Zuberi is ongoing, and as he faces additional charges, the legal process will proceed accordingly. Meanwhile, the victim of his alleged crimes will undoubtedly continue to seek justice and closure. This incident also highlights the importance of supporting and advocating for the rights and protection of sex workers, who too often fall victim to exploitation and violence.
As the judicial system determines the appropriate course of action for Negasi Zuberi, it is crucial to remember the gravity of the allegations against him and the impact they have had on the victim. This case serves as a solemn reminder of the need for justice and accountability in cases of sexual assault and violence, and the importance of providing a safe environment for all individuals, regardless of their occupation.
