California Man Charged with Drugging and Sexual Assault of Nine Women, Including One Fatality

A California man, Michael DiGiorgio, 50, has been charged with drugging and sexually assaulting nine women, including a tragic case involving a woman who died from the drugs administered. The charges, announced by prosecutors on Friday, include murder, rape by use of a drug, and furnishing a controlled substance.

DiGiorgio allegedly committed these heinous acts between May 2019 and November 2021 at his residences in Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward. While the name of the deceased woman has not been released, the murder charge is linked to an incident from July 2020.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón expressed profound sympathy for the victims, stating, “Our office is committed to holding him accountable for the pain and trauma he has inflicted.” If convicted, DiGiorgio could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

DiGiorgio was arrested earlier this week in Redondo Beach and is currently being held without bail, as per Los Angeles County booking records. Although he was scheduled for arraignment on Friday, that hearing has been postponed until November 6.

This isn’t DiGiorgio’s first brush with the law; he was previously charged in 2020 with the rape of a person “unconscious or asleep.” However, that case was dismissed due to a lack of a speedy trial, and he had pleaded not guilty to those charges.

As the investigation continues, the District Attorney’s office is actively seeking any additional victims who may come forward with information. DiGiorgio’s legal representation is being handled by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, which has not yet commented on the latest developments.

For ongoing updates on this case, stay tuned as we follow the legal proceedings and the search for justice for the victims involved.