(Image Credit: IMAGN)
Escondido, California – An Escondido man who used a dating app to lure and sexually assault multiple victims has been sentenced to 41 years in state prison. Tobias Bartee, 29, pleaded guilty to three felony sex crime counts in connection with assaults that occurred between July and September 2023.
According to authorities, Bartee used the dating app Grindr, posing as another individual with a fake name and photograph. He would then invite his victims to his Escondido apartment. Upon their arrival, Bartee falsely claimed to be the roommate of the person depicted in the app profile. He would then restrain and sexually assault the men.
The Escondido Police Department began investigating after receiving reports from multiple victims who had been lured to an apartment in the city. Prosecutors ultimately filed charges related to three specific victims. One of the assaults occurred just a day before Bartee’s arrest.
The sentencing, handed down Thursday, includes 41 years in state prison. Additionally, Bartee received 10-year protective orders, prohibiting any contact with the three victims, who were identified in court as John Does #1, #2, and #3.
The case shows just how dangerous online dating can be and the potential for individuals to be targeted and victimized through deceptive practices. Regardless of how you identify, it’s important to use extreme caution when meeting someone through a dating app.
The traumatic experiences endured by Bartee’s victims are absolutely horrific. Hopefully the lengthy term will give some measure of justice to his victims while making the public sleep a little safer at night.
