How a Facebook Group Helped Catch a Serial Offender

A man in Colorado has been found guilty of multiple sexual assaults. David Kats, aged 56, was convicted on 17 counts, including 12 for sexual assault. This case is unique because the victims found each other through a Facebook group called “Are We Dating the Same Guy? ” This group is usually used to expose cheaters, but in this case, it helped catch a criminal. The victims realized they had all been drugged and assaulted by the same person. They each had a similar story. Kats would serve them drinks, and they would black out. They would wake up hours later, realizing they had been assaulted. The victims were horrified and decided to report Kats to the police. When the police searched Kats' home, they found substances used to incapacitate victims. During the trial, Kats claimed the encounters were consensual, even though the victims were nearly or totally unconscious. He denied any wrongdoing, but prosecutors presented evidence, including text messages from the victims confronting Kats about being drugged.Two of the victims, Sherry Salazar and Nicholle Shupe, testified during the trial. Shupe shared her feelings, saying she did not want any other woman to feel the way she did. She also expressed that she did not know if she would ever move on from the trauma. The bravery of these women was praised by the Chief Deputy District Attorney, Danielle Jaramillo. She said their courage led to Kats being held accountable for his actions. Kats will be sentenced on April 23 and could face life in prison. The District Attorney, George Brauchler, stated that Kats used drugs, deception, and manipulation to prey on women who trusted him. This case highlights the importance of victims supporting each other and the power of social media in bringing justice.