KANAGAWA (TR) – Kanagawa Prefectural Police on Thursday announced the arrest of a former professional soccer player in the alleged rape of a 21-year-old female college student in Sagamihara City. The suspect is also under investigation for other similar crimes, reports the Sankei Shimbun (April 30).
At approximately 2:30 a.m. on March 31 of last year, Sho Kamimura, a 26-year-old resident of Saitama Prefecture, entered the apartment of the woman, a second-year student living alone, in Minami Ward and beat and sexually assaulted her.
The suspect gained access to the residence through an unlocked front door. He then bound the woman’s hands with tights and wrapped her head in a bath towel. During the assault, the suspect threatened to kill her if she did not remain quiet.
Kamimura, who has been charged with rape and trespassing, has reportedly admitted to the allegations.
The home of Kamimura’s parents is near Odakyu Sagamiono Station in Minami. Police are now investigating whether the suspect was involved in approximately 10 similar attacks on women in their 20s that have taken place near the same station since August of 2009.
In 2011, Kamimura played for the Mito Hollyhock of the J. League Division 2. He retired from professional soccer two years ago after a stint with FC Machida Zelvia.