Photographer Robert Kester was sentenced to 40 years in prison in the United States for drugging and raping young models, People reported.
According to prosecutors, the 59-year-old photographer used his profession to meet young girls. He promised them successful careers, lured them to photo shoots, offered alcohol and drugs, and forced them into explicit sessions.
Prosecutors said Kester drugged many models with gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, a depressant of the nervous system. While the victims were unconscious, Kester raped and beat them, recording the assaults on video. Some of the victims were 15 years old.
Federal Investigation and Evidence
Investigators seized thousands of materials from the photographer, some of which he sold. Several girls said Kester showed them photos of the assaults while laughing at them.
Authorities first arrested Kester in November 2018 before his sentencing. FBI Special Agent Doug Olson said only the courage of the victims who chose to testify made the sentencing possible.
Separately, a Virginia man was recently arrested after a 15-year-old girl called police to report she had been kidnapped, held captive in his house for four years, and raped.
