A Sycamore Township resident, Frederick Louis Tanzer, 66, was arrested by federal agents and charged with making false statements related to a rape case from 1989. Authorities are urging anyone with information about this or similar incidents to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Tanzer is accused of providing false information to FBI agents. Following his arrest, searches were conducted at his home on Kenwood Road and his vehicles. He made an appearance in federal court in Dayton.
An affidavit supporting the criminal complaint reveals that Tanzer has been identified as the prime suspect in the cold-case rape. DNA evidence was collected from a Starbucks cup discarded by Tanzer at a local BMV. A forensic laboratory confirmed that this DNA matched samples left by the rapist at the crime scene in 1989.
Tanzer allegedly made several false statements to investigators, including denying any interaction with the victim on the day of her assault. He is known to have practiced medicine in Ohio, Kansas, and Colorado.
The affidavit outlines details of the incident on August 1, 1989. The victim was violently attacked in her Cincinnati condominium after returning from work. Federal officials are asking for public assistance if they recognize any details from this case:
- The victim detected an odor resembling brewed tea or burnt marijuana upon arriving home.
- The assailant wore black Lycra clothing and carried a black gym bag.
- A knife was used to threaten the victim.
- White surgical tape was used on the victim's eyes and head; stockings were used for binding.
- Vaseline was involved during the attack.
- The assailant did not speak but listened to and erased answering machine messages while rummaging through personal belongings.
- A note threatening further harm if police were contacted was left on a telephone handset.
The rapist is described as white, with dark brown hair, approximately six feet tall with an athletic build. The attack lasted over five hours.
Kenneth L. Parker, U.S. Attorney for Southern Ohio; Elena Iatarola of the FBI's Cincinnati Division; and Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge announced Tanzer's arrest. The IRS-Criminal Investigation Cincinnati Field Office also participated in investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly K. Rossi and Julie D. Garcia will represent the United States.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains allegations only; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.