A Redondo Beach man charged with drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women will remain in custody while prosecutors look for more victims who may be added to the case. Become.
Michael DiGiorgio, 50, was indicted last month by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on multiple counts of rape, sodomy and one count of murder.
This is the second time he has been charged in connection with an assault on a woman. He was indicted on similar charges in August 2020, which were dismissed, but he was recently re-indicted with the addition of murder charges.
On Wednesday, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Susan DeWitt denied Mr. DiGiorgio’s bail request, finding that he had continued to engage in “extremely dangerous” behavior even after his previous case was dismissed. Prosecutors allege that DiGiorgio continued to drug and sexually assault women at his home even after the case was dismissed.
A previous case against him was dismissed in 2021 due to technicalities related to search warrants for electronic devices, according to court records. Prosecutors had intended to file charges again, but they had to wait more than three years.
Between the two incidents, prosecutors monitored his home, reviewed evidence, and determined that a murder charge was warranted.
He was arrested and charged a second time on October 16 after prosecutors reviewed the facts surrounding the alleged crime. Investigators also conducted surveillance of the home and reportedly saw the young woman leave. During a search of the home, investigators found a clear vial that tested positive for a drug that can be used to anesthetize people. Atty. Katherine Ann Mariano said in court Wednesday.
Prosecutors believe DiGiorgio also gave the victims fentanyl, and investigators say they have identified six additional women who were allegedly sexually assaulted and recorded unconscious.
Authorities said the crimes allegedly took place between 2019 and November 2021 at DiGiorgio’s homes in Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach. According to court records, DiGiorgio was charged on July 6, 2020 with murder, drugged rape and other charges against Jane Doe 1.
He is also suspected of selling or transporting a controlled substance on November 28, 2021.
DiGiorgio appeared in court handcuffed, bare-chested and with his prison jumpsuit pulled down to his waist. He spoke only a few words with defense attorney Pat Carey, who said his client had not attempted to flee the state after his previous case was dismissed and was not a flight risk. He said that he suggested.
Mariano said keeping DiGiorgio in custody is a public safety concern because he is suspected of drugging and sexually assaulting more victims due to DiGiorgio’s previous arrests. He said that.
Carey declined to comment outside of court, saying in court he needed more time to consider the evidence in the case. Mariano said additional charges may be added to the case as the investigation progresses.
