An 18-year-old man is back in custody after being accused as a serial sexual predator who allegedly targeted fellow high school students. Nearly 20 victims have come forward so far.
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu says Tyler Kost threatened and harassed his victims to the point that two of them fled the state and one attempted suicide.
Babeau says Kost, who lives in the San Tan Valley, befriended his victims and their families before preying on them.
“This has been going on for three years. As recent as from February to the present there were five incidents, alone, with three separate victims,” Babeau said.
Kost is described as being highly manipulative, charismatic and presenting himself as being charming before attacking the young women.
Babeu said the teen traumatized his victims, and threatened to kill them. The sheriff says some of the victim’s parents knew about threats against their daughters but were too afraid to come forward.