April 8, 2014 - Charges have been filed against a suspect believed responsible for multiple sexual assaults in the southeast Houston area since 1992.

The suspect, Herman Ray Whitfield (b/m, 43), is charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault and one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child in the 184th State District Court. Two photos (from 1994 and 2009) of suspect Whitfield, who is currently an inmate at the Byrd Unit in Huntsville, Texas, are attached to this news release.

Whitfield committed sexual assaults in the Sunnyside area of Houston from 1992 to 1994 and again from 2006 to 2009. His victims ranged in age from 12 to 30. The assaults occurred on trails, and in bushes, vacant lots and vacant houses in the Sunnyside area on the following dates and locations:

• December 15, 1992 - 4300 Alvin
• February 16, 1993 - 4300 Alvin
• August 30, 1993 - 4400 Wilmington
• June 11, 2008 - 4300 Wilmington

In February 2013, HPD received two matches from two cases entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Investigators reviewed both cases and determined there were similarities in the area where they occurred and the manner of the assault. The HPD Juvenile Sex Crimes Unit, with assistance from HPD Southeast Crime Analysis, worked to identify other similar or possible related incidents. Once additional similar cases were located, evidence from those cases was entered into CODIS. A profile was then developed that matched Whitfield. Investigators in the Juvenile Sex Crimes Unit and the Adult Sex Crimes Unit then worked diligently to locate the victims in these cases.

Investigators traveled to Hunstville, Texas, to speak with Whitfield , who is currently in TDCJ serving a prison sentence for a kidnapping incident. Investigators then obtained a DNA sample from Whitfield, which positively identified him as the suspect in these cases.

Investigators believe there may be other victims and urge anyone with information to contact either the HPD Juvenile Sex Crimes Unit at 713-731-5356, the HPD Sexual Assault Information Line at 713-308-1400, or via email at SAinfo@houstonpolice.org

VHS/JFC/JLE 4-8-14