A California man was arrested this week after being accused of raping a woman he met through an online Christian dating website.
Sean Patrick Banks, an unemployed 37-year-old from Del Mar, allegedly used the website ChristianMingle.com to meet a woman in November police say he raped while visiting her home.
Detectives have spent the past several months looking for the perpetrator, who allegedly called himself “Rylan Butterwood” and “Rylan Harbough” on the site, false names that gave police fits in trying to find the true culprit.
Banks was charged with two counts of sexual assault and one of residential burglary. He has posted a $500,000 bail and pleaded not guilty. Banks could spend 36 years to life in prison if convicted.
Police fear that Banks may have raped other women.
“After further follow-up in the investigation, the La Mesa Police Department is concerned there may have been more cases (involving) other women,” Lt. Matt Nicholass said.
He believes additional victims could live outside of La Mesa.
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ChristianMingle.com has said it will assist the police in their investigation in any way possible. The La Mesa Police Department fears Banks may have raped other women.
“This individual traveled around a lot,” Nicholass told KSWB-TV. “And we are concerned that there are people obviously outside of La Mesa or potentially outside of San Diego County that could be a victim.”
On its website, ChristianMingle is described as “an online community created specifically for Christian singles looking to meet other Christians, to make new friends or to find a life-long partner that shares similar values, traditions and beliefs.”
“ChristianMingle's mission is to serve as the premier online community for singles looking to date, make meaningful connections and marry within the Christian faith. Our deepest desire is to see our members grow in their relationship with Christ while living out their spiritual journeys,” the website states.
Site officials say the company is doing it everything it can to help with the investigation.
“We are in communication with the La Mesa police department and willing to assist them in any way we can with the investigation,” a ChristianMingle representative told KSWB, adding that the site takes “tremendous precautions” to protect daters.
Banks’ next court hearing is scheduled for March 1.
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