Man charged with raping 2 women in Antioch, police look for additional victims
The lawyer of a man charged with two Antioch rapes and being investigated for others was defended Tuesday by his attorney, who said his client is innocent.
Robert Chuksorji, 37, is being held in Contra Costa County Jail in lieu of $2 million. Chuksorji's attorney has requested the amount be lowered and a hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 22.
Antioch police said Monday several other victims were identified and provided crucial information to the case. The department also said it has investigated other cases over the years allegedly involving Chuksorji.
The two alleged rapes for whIch Chuksorji faces charges allegedly occurred June 18 and June 23, involving different victims. Police arrested him June 24.
"Robert Chuksorji is an innocent man who has been falsely accused by his accusers," said his attorney Seth Morris in an email. "He has never raped or sexually assaulted anyone and we look forward to our day in court where these allegations can be tested and shown to be false."
Morris said his client wasn't raised to be someone who would mistreat women.
"Like anyone arrested and falsely accused, Robert is innocent in the eyes of the law unless and until proven guilty in court," Morris said. "Robert Chuksorji is a good man who was raised by strong women who taught him to respect women. He would never sexually assault or rape anyone."
Police alleged Chuksorji would meet women either in person or online, obtain their phone number and begin a texting relationship. Chuksorji would then allegedly plan to meet the victim and the encounter would later turn into a sexual assault.
Chuksorji is charged with two counts of forcible rape, one count of kidnapping for robbery or sexual purposes and two enhancements.
Investigators say there could be other unreported sexual assaults and victims related to Chuksorji, who may have used several other names throughout the years. Anyone with information can contact Antioch Police Detective Allen at (925) 779-6923 or by email aallen@antiochca.gov.