Florida convict linked by DNA to multiple Georgia Craigslist-bait assaults

Georgia law enforcement is pursuing potential victims of Julius Hunter after DNA linked him to three sexual assault cases involving women recruited through Craigslist advertisements. Hunter, who previously pleaded no contest to a 2021 Florida sexual battery charge, now faces rape, aggravated sodomy and kidnapping accusations for a 2016 incident in Clarkston where a 19-year-old was deceived by a $300 babysitting offer. His DNA also matched evidence from two other assaults in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, though no charges have been filed for those.

A grand jury indicted him on Aug. 11, and he was arrested in Fort Lauderdale on Aug. 13 before being extradited to Georgia. Investigators note that Hunter’s pattern of using online job ads may extend to other states, including New Jersey, and they have not yet identified a second man present during the Clarkston attack. The Georgia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Task Force continues to seek information, urging anyone who suspects they were victimized to call a dedicated tip line.