Alleged serial rapist indicted by Cuyahoga County grand jury

A man accused of sexually assaulting three women between the ages of 26 and 35 at a Cleveland hotel was indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury earlier this month.

According to prosecutor Michael O’Malley, the defendant, Michael Mann, 52, is charged with five counts of rape, three counts of kidnapping, one count of attempted rape and one count of gross sexual imposition. He was indicted on November 5.

Authorities say that between May 1, 2021 and March 31, 2023, Mann allegedly messaged multiple women online under the aliases “Rick,” “Rico,” “Ricardo” or “R” and offered them thousands of dollars to pay to her to arrive. Cleveland to work as a server at a private event or poker game.

When the women traveled to Cleveland, he allegedly demanded money for a deposit on a hotel room and then “isolated the women and sexually assaulted them,” O’Malley said.

Authorities said they believe there may be more victims.

“Michael Mann is a disgusting individual who targeted innocent women who responded to employment opportunities,” O’Malley said. “He is currently in custody and has been charged with several charges including rape and kidnapping. We believe there may be more victims. I urge anyone who believes he or she is a victim to come forward and contact the Cleveland Division of Police at 216-623-5726.”