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Prosecutor: More alleged victims in serial rape case

Posted at 4:25 PM, Aug 09, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-15 17:17:59-04

MUSKEGON, Mich. —  Authorities say as many as 25 victims may be tied to a serial rape case in Muskegon County.

Joshua Humphrey, 34, and Larry Stiff, 31, are currently accused of drugging and sexually assaulting 3 women in two cases, but prosecutors believe that may only be a fraction of their crimes.

During a hearing for Stiff Tuesday, a judge found probable cause that he conspired to commit the rapes of two women in October 2013 after they were given a drug that rendered them unable to consent to sex.

In court, prosecutors revealed that Stiff and Humphrey are being investigated for up to 25 rapes involving date rape drugs.

"We consider both these defendants to be a severe risk to the community," said Muskegon County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Maat.

Stiff and Humphrey were charged in July in two cases, the one from 2013 and one from February of this year.

The two are awaiting trial for the February case involving third-degree criminal sexual assault charges.  Humphrey is scheduled to be in court Wednesday for a preliminary exam.  Humphrey's mother has also been charged with allegedly trying to intimidate one of his alleged victims.

Stiff's bond was increased Tuesday from $100,000 to $500,000.

Prosecutors asked for the increase because of the danger that Stiff and Humphrey could be to the community.

"We want the public to be made aware of these cases," Maat said. "And if there are any other women who may have been involved with any one of these men, who have some concerns, would come forward."