A California man appeared in court on Friday, accused of 18 counts of drugging and raping nine women at his homes between 2019 and 2021.
One of the women died from the drugging, resulting in a murder charge. Other charges against Michael DiGiorgio, 50, include rape, sodomy by use of a drug, sexual penetration by use of a drug, oral copulation by use of drug, forcible rape, forcible sexual penetration, rape of an unconscious person, and furnishing a controlled substance, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators believe there may be more victims.
“Our office is committed to holding him accountable for the pain and trauma he has inflicted. The safety and well-being of our community is our top priority, and we will not tolerate this type of predatory behavior in our communities,” District Attorney George Gascón said. “I encourage anyone with information related to these incidents or any other incidents regarding Mr. DiGiorgio to report it to the Redondo Beach Police Department.”
The fatal drugging took place in July 2020, KABC reported. The assaults took place at DiGiorgio’s homes in Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.
DiGiorgia was reportedly arraigned on Friday, but his name does not appear in Los Angeles County’s current inmate list on Monday morning. Other news agencies say he is being held without bond.
Anyone with information, including potential victims, is asked to call the Redondo Beach Police Department’s hotline at 714-863-2859.
