Detectives with the St. Petersburg Police Department arrested a rape suspect in Illinois following a sexual assault investigation that began in St. Petersburg. Investigators believe there may be additional victims in the Tampa Bay area.
Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Joshua Abercrombie. According to detectives, Abercrombie met a young woman through a social media application, and the two agreed to meet in late November. During the encounter, detectives say Abercrombie became aggressive and sexually assaulted the woman, choking her multiple times.
On January 29, 2026, Abercrombie was taken into custody in Will County, Illinois, on an arrest warrant issued in connection with the St. Petersburg case. He is charged with sexual battery.
Detectives stated they believe there may be other victims who have not yet contacted police. Investigators are urging anyone with information related to the case, or who believes they may have had contact with Abercrombie under similar circumstances, to come forward.
Information can be provided confidentially by contacting the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780 or by texting SPPD and tip information to TIP411.