Police in Pinal County, Arizona, near Phoenix, have arrested an 18-year-old high school student for the second time in a week on new charges after at least 18 students came forward saying Tyler Kost sexually assaulted them. (Via KNXV)
Tyler Kost was first arrested Monday after 13 people came forward with accusations. He was later released on $10,000 bond but was arrested again Thursday when five more girls spoke up.
"All of the accounts of the victims as someone who is highly manipulative, very charismatic and charming in how he presented himself, and then how things obviously turned."
According to KSAZ, Kost faces a total of 29 charges including counts of sexual abuse and sexual conduct with a minor. In court Friday, a judge denied bond for Kost this time around.
The assaults Kost is accused of date back to 2011. Police say the girls were between 13 and 17 years old at the time of the crimes — making all of them minors. Police say Kost and his accusers knew each other. (Via KTVK)
A few of those accusers also say Kost threatened to kill them and even encouraged them to kill themselves. But Kost's attorney say the accusations from police and the local sheriff, who labeled Kost a "serial rapist," have gone too far.
"He got up and stated and gave a press release stating that Mr. Kost is a serial rapist, apparently deciding to convict and sentence Mr. Kost before there's even a finding of probably cause." (Via KPHO)
The sheriff's office says more charges could be filed as its investigation continues.
