NEGASI ZUBERI | ‘Dig a hole straight down 100ft:’ Serial rapist guilty of kidnapping woman, driving her 450 miles to his home where he held her captive in makeshift cell as part of ‘Operation Take Over’ | ALS

Negasi Zuberi. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Portland, OR. March 4, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.

The Cell Builder: The Crimes of Negasi Zuberi

Negasi Zuberi, known by several aliases including "Sakima," "Justin Hyche," and "Justin Kouassi," was born in the United States. Details about his early life, family background, and education remain largely undisclosed. However, his criminal record paints a grim portrait of a man whose actions have left indelible scars on his victims and sent shockwaves through multiple communities.​

Zuberi's criminal activities began to surface in 2016, spanning several states including California, Washington, Utah, and Oregon. He employed various methods to subdue his victims, often posing as an undercover officer or drugging their drinks. His targets were frequently individuals he perceived as vulnerable, including sex workers and those without strong social ties. Operating under different aliases, he meticulously planned his assaults, going so far as to construct a cinder block cell in his garage to imprison his victims.​

One of his most harrowing crimes occurred on July 15, 2023. Zuberi traveled from his residence in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington, where he posed as a police officer to abduct a woman. Brandishing a taser, he handcuffed and shackled her before forcing her into the backseat of his vehicle. During the approximately 450-mile journey back to Klamath Falls, he repeatedly sexually assaulted her. Upon arrival, he confined her in a makeshift cell he had constructed in his garage—a small, cinder block enclosure with a metal door installed in reverse to prevent escape. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, the victim managed to break the door open after hours of relentless effort, injuring her hands in the process. She escaped, retrieved a handgun from Zuberi's vehicle, and flagged down a passing motorist who called 911.

Investigations revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Approximately six weeks prior, on May 6, 2023, Zuberi had kidnapped and sexually assaulted another woman in Klamath Falls. He had approached the 22-year-old victim at a bar, offering her a ride. Instead, he bound her wrists and ankles and raped her multiple times, recording the assaults. He threatened to kill her family and release the recordings if she reported the crime. The victim later testified that she had observed a pile of cinder blocks in Zuberi's garage, which he later used to construct the cell where he detained his subsequent victim.

Authorities discovered handwritten notes and plans in Zuberi's residence detailing his intentions to abduct and imprison women. One note, ominously titled "Operation Take Over," outlined methods for selecting victims, avoiding detection, and disposing of bodies by digging holes "straight down 100ft." These revelations painted a chilling picture of a calculated predator intent on committing further atrocities.

Zuberi was apprehended on July 16, 2023, in a Walmart parking lot in Reno, Nevada, following a brief standoff during which he injured himself. He was charged with kidnapping, transporting a victim for criminal sexual activity, and illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. During his trial, which concluded on October 18, 2024, he was found guilty on all counts. On January 17, 2025, he was sentenced to life in federal prison.

Television Appearance on 'Judge Judy': In 2018, Negasi Zuberi appeared on the television show "Judge Judy" under the alias "Justin Hyche." In this episode, he sued his ex-fiancée over a dispute involving damaged clothing and assault. Judge Judith Sheindlin ruled in Zuberi's favor, awarding him $2,500. This appearance has resurfaced in media reports following his arrest in 2023.

Motivations: Negasi Zuberi's criminal actions appear to have been driven by a profound desire for control and dominance. Evidence uncovered during investigations revealed handwritten plans detailing his intentions to abduct and imprison women. One particularly disturbing note, titled "Operation Take Over," outlined methods for selecting victims, avoiding detection, and disposing of bodies by digging deep holes. Additionally, testimony from one of his victims indicated that Zuberi harbored intentions to force women to bear his children, with the aim of "raising an army." These insights suggest that his motivations extended beyond sexual violence, encompassing delusional aspirations of creating a group subservient to his control. Collectively, these factors point to a calculated predator driven by a combination of sexual violence, a desire for absolute control, and disturbing ambitions of building a personal following through coercion and terror.

The impact of Zuberi's crimes on his victims has been profound. The survivors have endured significant psychological and physical trauma, grappling with the aftermath of their harrowing experiences. Their courage in escaping and testifying against Zuberi has been instrumental in bringing him to justice. The public and media reacted with horror and outrage, prompting discussions on improving safety measures and support systems for vulnerable individuals. Law enforcement agencies have also been urged to enhance coordination and vigilance to prevent similar crimes in the future.​

Currently, Zuberi is serving his life sentence in federal prison. There is no indication of rehabilitation efforts, and he is considered a continued threat to society, underscoring the necessity of his incarceration.​

This case highlights the importance of community awareness, the need for robust support systems for victims, and the critical role of law enforcement in identifying and apprehending serial offenders. It also serves as a stark reminder of the resilience of survivors and the impact of their bravery in seeking justice.​

Given the notoriety of Zuberi's crimes, any autographed items associated with him could be considered rare and may hold value for certain collectors. However, ethical considerations regarding the commodification of memorabilia linked to criminal activities should be carefully weighed.

• VIDEO: Man Accused of Kidnapping Woman Appeared on ‘Judge Judy’ | https://youtu.be/_bLUFGmwKzQ

• VIDEO: Kidnapper Wanted to 'Raise An Army' of Kids with Women He Raped in Makeshift Jail Cell: Feds | https://youtu.be/FEJRrJJA-SA

Archiving Protocol:

• Handled with White Gloves ab initio

• Photo Pages/Sheet Protectors: Heavyweight Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free & Archival Safe, 8.5 × 11, Top Load

• White Backing Board – Acid Free

Shipping/Packaging: Rigid Mailer 9.5 × 12.5. White, self-seal, stay-flat, Kraft cardboard, no bend. Each rigid mailer is made of heavy cardboard, which has strong resistance to bending and tearing. Thicker than the USPS mailers. Shipping cost never more than it absolutely has to be to get it from me to you.