A woman who was allegedly victimized by a reality TV personality who is facing trial for drugging and raping women in 2015 spoke out Thursday and urged other possible victims to come forward.
The Los Angeles Police Department released this booking photo of Michael Bernback.
The woman, identified by police as Jane Doe, told reporters that she was communicating with Michael Bernback on a dating website for two months in 2015 before they agreed to meet up. During their conversations the woman told Bernback things she was not willing to do sexually, and he seemed to understand.
"Then I went to his house and the complete opposite happened," the victim said.
She said Bernback, now 65, told her not to speak and slapped her when she did. She added that two other women were at Bernback's house when he sexually assaulted her.
Police did not allow Jane Doe to elaborate on the alleged conduct, but she told reporters she remains traumatized by the encounter. She said she has lost her jobs and friends, has social phobias, no longer dates and has become homeless.
"He ruined my life," she said about Bernback.
Bernback, who appeared on the reality TV show "Millionaire Matchmaker" was arrested in his Sherman Oaks home on Aug. 13, 2015. Police said at the time that he raped three women and he was charged with eight felony counts. He has since been released on bail.
Jane Doe said Thursday that she is scared because Bernback is free. She urged other victims to come forward and "put this man away. He is a very sick person."
Lt. Jim Gavin said Thursday that Los Angeles Police officials know of eight women who were victimized by Bernback. Gavin explained that Bernback preyed on women between 20 and 24 who had a troubled sexual history. Most of the women had been molested as children, Gavin said.
Gavin described Bernback's home as a "house of horrors" and a "fortress" that only had one way in and one way out. He added that Bernback made one women sign a waiver saying their interactions were consensual, but she felt like she was raped by him.
Gavin said two of Bernback's victims felt so ashamed that they have tried to commit suicide.
Despite any possible fears, Bernback asked other possible victims to come forward.
“We are seeking additional victims who are afraid and who are ashamed to come forward to step forward now to help us end this," the lieutenant said. "Please, you are not alone, we are here to help.
from KTLA http://bit.ly/2J5KNtd
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