Serial rapist allegedly preys on women he groomed at bars, fitness clubs

"Date" rapists who have multiple victims are simply serial rapists who use "dating" as a way to gain access to and groom victims. Women involved with such a person were groomed, just like the 15 year old girl who believes she is in love with her 30 year old boyfriend. He was never in love with them, just using them for his deviant purposes. They are no different from a predatory standpoint than the serial rapist who uses a gun or a knife in their attacks.

James Ernest Blesdoe, 26, is facing seven felony and four misdemeanor charges after alledegly sexually assaulting and secretly videotaping women he met at bars and fitness gyms. Blesdoe was arrested December 16th on charges stemming from a date rape and parole violation. Detectives uncovered additional possible victims in the course of the investigation.

KCBS has more on this sordid story at Police Seek Victims Of Suspected Rapist.

The evidence uncovered by detectives indicates there are additional alleged victims, he said, adding that he wants to hear from women who may have met and gone out with Bledsoe between last May and December. "I just have partial names and pictures," Weizoerick said.

Bledsoe, who is being held on $1 million bail, is set to be arraigned Jan. 25. He is charged with false imprisonment, assault to commit a sexual offense, oral copulation and secretly videotaping with intent to arouse in connection with alleged date-rape victim, Jane Doe 1. He faces a misdemeanor videotaping count regarding a second woman referred to as Jane Doe 2 in the criminal complaint.

He is charged with rape, oral copulation and sexual penetration, as well as videotaping, involving Jane Doe 3, who was unconscious when assaulted, the detective said. The complaint also contains two other counts: resisting arrest and failure to register as a sex offender, he said.

Bledsoe was on parole for a lewd act on a child on Dec. 15 when police went to the 16000 block of Lynn Street on a report of a date rape, Weizoerick said. The 27-year-old woman alleged she was assaulted at Bledsoe's apartment. Bledsoe ran after learning police were contacted, and his silver 2003 BMW was found nearby and impounded, Weizoerick said. Officers spoke with Bledsoe by phone and he agreed to turn himself in, but did not.

Blesdoe was caught the next day, December 16th, less than 65 feet from the US-Mexico border.