An ex-CIA officer accused of drugging and sexually assaulting at least two dozen women pleaded guilty to federal sex abuse charges that could land him in jail for up to 30 years.
Brian Jeffrey Raymond kept an archive of nearly 500 videos and photographs of naked women, including several clips where he could be seen opening their eyelids and groping them, according to the prosecution.
Prosecutors described 47-year-old Raymond as an experienced sexual predator who kept a detailed accounting of potential victims organized by name, ethnicity and notes on their physical characteristics.
Investigators combing his devices found an incriminating online search history for phrases such as “Ambien and alcohol and pass out” and “vodka & valium.”
In one email to an online pharmacy, Raymond wrote, “Hello, do you have chloral hydrate for insomnia?”
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An ex-CIA officer accused of drugging and sexually assaulting at least two dozen women during various overseas postings pleaded guilty to federal sex abuse charges that could land him in jail for up to 30 years.
Brian Jeffrey Raymond kept an archive of nearly 500 videos and photographs of naked women, including several clips where he could be seen opening their eyelids and groping them, according to the prosecution.
The case was the latest embarrassment for the CIA, which in recent months has been challenged over its often secretive and antiquated handling of sexual misconduct claims within the agency.
At least two-dozen women have come forward to tell authorities and Congress about sexual assaults, unwanted touching and what they contend are attempts to silence them by the CIA.
A CIA officer trainee was convicted in August of assault and battery for wrapping a scarf around a colleague’s neck and trying to kiss her at the agency’s headquarters in Langley, Va.
Raymond had been stationed in Mexico City when he was arrested in 2020. There he would meet women on dating apps and invite them back to his embassy-leased apartment for drinks.
The San Diego native, who is fluent in Spanish and Mandarin, was only discovered after a naked woman Raymond met on Tinder screamed for help from his balcony, prompting a worried neighbour to call the authorities.
US officials scoured Raymond’s electronic devices and began identifying the victims, all of whom described experiencing some form of memory loss during their time with him. Prosecutors had intended to call as many as 14 alleged victims during the trial.
Raymond pleaded guilty to four of 25 criminal counts including sexual abuse, coercion and transportation of obscene material. As part of the agreement announced Tuesday, he faces between 24 and 30 years in prison when he is sentenced.
The case was the latest embarrassment for the CIA, which in recent months has been challenged over its often secretive and antiquated handling of sexual misconduct claims within the agency.
CIA Director William Burns has since launched a series of reforms to streamline claims, support victims and more quickly discipline those involved in misconduct.
In a statement after Raymond’s plea, the spy agency said: “As this case shows, we are committed to engaging with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served.
“In addition, we take any allegations of sexual assault or sexual harassment extremely seriously and have taken significant steps to ensure we maintain a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for our workforce.”
Prosecutors described 47-year-old Raymond as an experienced sexual predator who kept a detailed accounting of potential victims organized by name, ethnicity and notes on their physical characteristics.
Investigators combing his devices found an incriminating online search history for phrases such as “Ambien and alcohol and pass out” and “vodka & valium.”
At least two dozen women have come forward to tell authorities and Congress about sexual assaults, unwanted touching and what they contend are attempts to silence them by the CIA.
A CIA officer trainee was convicted in August of assault and battery for wrapping a scarf around a colleague’s neck and trying to kiss her at the agency’s headquarters in Langley, Va.
CIA Director William Burns has since launched a series of reforms to streamline claims, support victims and more quickly discipline those involved in misconduct.
In a statement after Raymond’s plea, the spy agency said: “As this case shows, we are committed to engaging with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served.
“In addition, we take any allegations of sexual assault or sexual harassment extremely seriously and have taken significant steps to ensure we maintain a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for our workforce.”
