Merritt RCMP asking victims of violent sex offender to come forward

MERRITT – Merritt RCMP are asking for victims to come forward to help them lay charges against a violent suspect.

RCMP say Sevim (AKA Sebastian) Zakuti, 40, was arrested in the Lower Mainland yesterday, Sept. 5, and charged with a number of charges including forcible confinement, use of a firearm to commit an indictable offense, possession of a firearm while prohibited, pointing a firearm, sexual assault, sexual assault with a firearm and uttering threats.

"Since early August, members of the Merritt RCMP have been working with vulnerable members of the local community in relation to the actions of a violent individual who suddenly arrived in Merritt," B.C. RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Chris Manseau says in a media release. "During this time several local people approached officers regarding two men, however, witnesses were fearful to go on record with what they had seen."

"With time and support from local agencies the RCMP has moved the investigation forward to the point of charge approval against one of the men," he said.

Zakuti was recently in the Kamloops and North Okanagan areas, police say, and often drives luxury cars registered in B.C. and Ontario.

Investigators know there are other victims and are asking them to come forward.

Anyone who has been victimized by Zakuti is asked to call the Merritt RCMP Detachment at 250-378-4262 and request to speak with an investigator.

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