FBI joins search for Cleveland serial rapist, offers up to $10,000 reward for information

CLEVELAND - The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined the hunt to find a man Cleveland police said is a serial rapist. At a news conference Monday morning, the FBI announced they'll be assisting Cleveland detectives in tracking down the man whose crimes date back to 1996.

Police said DNA has linked the man to four rapes and one murder in Cleveland. The first rape happened in May 1996, then a rape and murder in Feb. 1997, another rape in June 1998 and the last in December 2010. All of the attacks happened within a couple of miles of each other. "I think he has a familiarity with the neighborhood," said Cleveland Police Commander James Chura.

The man's name isn't known, but authorities said he's in his late 30's or early 40's and between 5'7" to 5'8" inches tall.

Police also said he has a raised scar on his face, police believe he uses the drug PCP and he listens to reggae music. All of the crimes happened within a couple of miles of each other in the Kinsman area of Cleveland. All of the victims were black women. "Another common feature is that he is armed with a knife or a gun and he is violent," said Cleveland Police Detective Christina Cottom.

"It's clear this rapist is an obvious threat to our community. We need to do everything we can to get him off the street," said FBI Special Agent In Charge, Stephen Anthony.

Up to a $10,000 reward is being offered in this case. The FBI will post the suspects picture on their website and Facebook page. Police said his picture will also be displayed on the digital billboards in the area. Anyone with information can contact 1-800-CALL-FBI.