In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Ballwin community, Yahya A. Maly, a 28-year-old resident, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of rape, kidnapping, and sodomy. Authorities believe there may be more victims who have yet to come forward.
Details of the Allegations
According to the St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons, Maly is accused of sexually assaulting at least five women between March 1, 2023, and February 2, 2025.
The alleged assaults took place at Maly’s apartment in the 100 block of Log Trail Drive, near Vlasis Park. Investigators report that Maly met these women through dating apps, using the alias “John” to initiate contact.
Modus Operandi
Maly’s alleged pattern involved inviting women to his apartment under the pretense of a date. Once there, he would make unwanted sexual advances.
In each reported case, the victims either explicitly communicated their lack of interest in sexual activity or were subjected to non-consensual acts. Some victims endured multiple assaults during their encounters.
Specific Incidents
- Incident on February 2, 2025: In the most recent case, Maly allegedly detained a victim in his apartment for over seven hours, permitting her to leave only after she had showered multiple times.
- Earlier Cases: Other victims reported similar experiences, where initial consensual meetings escalated into forced sexual encounters. In one instance, a victim agreed to a walk in a park with Maly after the assault as a strategy to escape.
Charges Filed
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has filed the following charges against Maly:
| Charge | Number of Counts |
|---|---|
| Second-Degree Rape | 7 |
| First-Degree Rape or Attempted Rape | 2 |
| First-Degree Kidnapping | 2 |
| First-Degree Sodomy or Attempted Sodomy | 2 |
Maly is currently held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.
Community Reaction
Neighbors expressed shock upon learning of the allegations. One resident, Angel Bastida, remarked, “To know that, like that, like they literally say in the crime shows, you never know who lives next to you, and you could be next.” Another neighbor, Stav, added, “It’s really scary to think about it. Like, it could be anybody. You can’t trust people on those apps or really just strangers.”
Call for Additional Victims to Come Forward
Detectives believe there may be more individuals who have encountered similar experiences with Maly. They urge any additional victims or anyone with pertinent information to contact investigators at 314-615-5400.
The arrest of Yahya A. Maly underscores the potential dangers associated with online dating platforms and the importance of exercising caution when meeting individuals from these services.
Authorities are committed to ensuring justice for the victims and are actively seeking any additional information that may aid in their investigation.