Scroll Top

Former Kansas doctor indicted on federal charges related to 1989 Ohio rape case

Advanced DNA Testing Funded by Season of Justice Helps Identify Suspect in 1989 Rape Case

Cincinnati, OH (January 29, 2025) – Advanced DNA testing funded by Season of Justice has led to a major breakthrough in a decades-old rape case. In September 2023, Season of Justice provided funding to the Cincinnati Police Department to conduct cutting-edge forensic analysis on evidence from a 1989 violent rape case. That testing produced a DNA profile that identified former Kansas doctor Frederick Tanzer as the suspect.

Although the statute of limitations prevented local authorities from prosecuting the original offense, Cincinnati PD’s Detective Jeffrey Smallwood sought assistance from the FBI. During an interview, Tanzer repeatedly denied seeing the victim on the day of the attack and made multiple false statements to federal agents. As a result, on December 20, 2024, a grand jury indicted Tanzer on six counts of making false statements to federal agents, each carrying a potential five-year prison sentence.

Since his indictment, two additional victims have come forward, alleging that Tanzer drugged and raped them repeatedly—one as recently as two and a half years ago. Investigators believe there may be more victims. A search warrant executed at Tanzer’s home uncovered restraints, a gag, and zip ties, raising further concerns about the scope of his crimes.

The FBI is urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. If you or someone you know has information about similar incidents involving Tanzer, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Season of Justice is honored to have played a role in advancing this investigation and hopes this development brings some measure of peace to the victims who have endured decades of pain. We extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated detectives of the Cincinnati Police Department, the FBI, and our generous donors, whose support makes these critical grants possible.

Read more about the case HERE