Former CIA officer Brian Jeffrey Raymond has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to drugging and sexually abusing numerous women in multiple countries over a 14-year period. He was found with over 500 images and videos of his victims, some of which depicted the predator groping and straddling his unconscious victims. He was charged with sexual abuse, coercion, transportation of obscene material, and abusive sexual contact, among other offenses.
During his sentencing, US Senior Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly referred to Raymond as a sexual predator, stating that he would have ample time to reflect on his actions. Raymond, a San Diego native, served over 20 years in the CIA, working in countries such as Mexico, Peru, and others that were not disclosed during the investigation. He targeted women through dating apps or casual encounters, including some he had known for nearly 20 years as platonic friends.
US Attorney Matthew Graves stated that Raymond would drug unsuspecting women in his government-leased housing, then strip, sexually abuse, and photograph them. Some of the victims only became aware of the abuse after the FBI showed them photos of them while unconscious and being attacked. Multiple victims spoke out during the sentencing, recounting nightmares, nervous breakdowns, and other psychological damage caused by Raymond’s actions.
Raymond’s crimes were first discovered in May 2020 when police in Mexico City responded to reports of a naked woman screaming for help from the balcony of a CIA officer’s apartment. Raymond attempted to delete incriminating evidence from his devices but investigators were able to recover over 500 images and videos of his crimes. He was arrested in San Diego in October 2020 and has been held in a DC jail without bail for the past four years.
During his sentencing hearing, Raymond apologized to his victims and took full responsibility for his actions, stating that he betrayed everything he stood for. As part of his sentence, he has been ordered to pay $10,000 to each of his 28 identified victims and will be required to register as a sex offender. The CIA has condemned his actions, stating that there is no excuse for his reprehensible behavior and that they are committed to cooperating with law enforcement.
The case of Brian Jeffrey Raymond highlights the disturbing nature of his crimes and the impact they had on his victims. His sentencing to 30 years in prison serves as a reminder of the consequences of his actions, as well as the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes. The testimonies of his victims shed light on the traumatic experiences they endured as a result of his predatory behavior, emphasizing the long-lasting effects of sexual abuse and exploitation.
