Deputies searching for man who sexually assaulted several women at popular outlet mall

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Police are asking for the public’s help to find a man suspected of sexually assaulting several woman at a popular outlet mall.

Investigators believe he may be linked to even more attacks.

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Channel 2′s Tom Regan was at the North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawson County on Friday, where investigators said a man acting like a shopper sexually assaulted nearly half a dozen female employees.

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Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson said the man would ask the women for help picking out an item, and then while they are distracted, he rubs up against them.

Some of the victims were groped.

“Obviously, they are very concerned,” Johnson said. “They are very in fear. And for this to be so brazen, for this to be so out in the public, obviously we don’t know what else may be out there.”

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While there are no accusations yet of assaults on shoppers, people at the outlet mall Thursday said the news was upsetting.

“I think it’s really disturbing,” shopper Karen Halstenberg said. “Like, you come here and have a good time. I get to hang out with my daughters. That would be really scary if I thought that was happening to them.”

Sheriff Johnson said investigators are checking to see if security cameras captured any of the assaults. He’s also asking the public for help identifying the suspect.

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