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State Attorney Calls Miami Police Officer 'Serial Rapist'

POSTED: Friday, March 23, 2007

A suspended Miami police officer is believed to be a serial rapist, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said Friday.

City of Miami Beach Police Chief Donald DeLucca, City of Miami Police Chief John Timoney and Fernandez Rundle held a press conference at the Office of the State Attorney to announce additional information relating to the recent arrest of suspended Officer Michael Ragusa.

Ragusa, of Miami Beach, is suspected of kidnapping and trying to rape a woman just blocks from his home on March 19, according to police.

Ragusa, 31, was off duty when he allegedly picked up a woman on 75th Street and Collins Avenue, police said.

In the attack, police said Ragusa attempted to rape the woman a few blocks away, but she was able to escape.

"Another victim came forward who said back in November of 2006, around election time, which would have been around the first week, something similar happened to her. The difference here is she is a self-admitted known prostitute," said Fernandez Rundle.

Police said Ragusa lured the women using his badge, uniform and patrol car that he was allowed to take home.

"The evidence would suggest that he was preying on known prostitutes. They are afraid to go to the police, they are afraid no one will believe them," said Fernandez Rundle.

Police want to hear from anyone who may have been an alleged victim of Ragusa or who may have more information. They have set up hot line for calls at 305-547-3300.

Ragusa is being held in jail without bond. He is still collecting his pay per the city's contract.

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