‘Serial rapist’ who preyed on women from dating apps likely has victims nationwide, police say

MOORESVILLE, NC (WBTV/Gray News) — A man who investigators believe is a serial rapist who preyed on women from dating apps was arrested this week.

While 29-year-old Michael Brandon Shinn was eventually arrested for two sex crimes police say he committed in North Carolina, police warn Shinn could have victims nationwide, as far away as California.

Mooresville Police Department officers arrested Shinn after receiving reports of two recent rapes in the area.

The first alleged rape took place on June 16. The victim reported the assault to the police a few days later, telling them she had met Shinn online and agreed to meet him. After the two met, the victim said she got into Shinn’s car where he drove her to a remote parking lot and raped her. The victim told police that Shinn then left her in the parking lot without a phone or a vehicle.

Detectives said they identified Shinn using information provided by the victim, and warrants were obtained for his arrest.

While investigating this alleged crime, the Huntersville Police Department advised Mooresville Police that a second victim had been hospitalized in Huntersville.

This victim provided a similar description of the suspect and the circumstances of the alleged crime, according to police. The victim said he met Shinn in the same parking lot on June 21, just five days after the first reported rape.

Following the second victim’s report, further warrants were obtained for Shinn’s arrest.

The police did not specify the injuries of the second victim or why she was hospitalized.

During the investigation into the two assaults, detectives said they discovered Shinn targeted women online and was likely involved in similar crimes in other parts of the country. Detectives said they are working with several surrounding agencies that have similar cases involving the suspect, including agencies as far away as California.

Shinn was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree forcible rape and one count of second-degree forcible sexual offense. He is being held in the Iredell County Detention Center on a $600,000 bond.

Police are calling for more victims to come forward. If you or someone you know may have been a victim or have come into contact with Shinn, we encourage you to contact Detective Saladino of the Mooresville Police Department at 704-664-3311.

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