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Crime & Safety

Man Allegedly Used Christianmingle.com to Meet, Rape East County Woman

Investigators are trying to determine if Sean Patrick Banks, suspected of raping a La Mesa woman, might have targeted additional victims using the Christianmingle.com site.

Investigators sought Friday to determine if an unemployed Del Mar man accused of raping an East County woman he met through a Christian dating website might have targeted additional alleged victims.

Sean Patrick Banks, 37, was arrested Monday and jailed on suspicion of two sex-assault charges and a count of residential burglary. Two days later, he pleaded not guilty to the allegations, posted $500,000 bail and was released from custody on his own recognizance.

Banks faces 36 years to life in prison if convicted of the charges, according to prosecutors.

Using the online moniker "Rarity," Banks got in touch with a La Mesa resident on Christianmingle.com last November and visited her home, where he allegedly raped her, Lt. Matt Nicholass said.

The woman, who is in her 20s, did not know Banks' real name, and it took detectives several months to identify him as the suspected assailant.

Banks also alternately called himself "Rylan Butterwood" and "Rylan Harbough" on the dating website, according to Nicholass.

"After further follow-up in the investigation, the La Mesa Police Department is concerned there may have been more cases (involving) other women," the lieutenant said.

Banks' next court appearance, a readiness conference, is scheduled for March 1.

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