Korean NASA Engineer Eric Sim, aged 37, is facing accusations that have stunned the community. He’s charged with six counts of sexual assault, and authorities fear the potential for more undisclosed victims.
Sim had previously gained viral fame from a 2012 NASA parody video of PSY‘s “Gangnam Style.”
According to the District Attorney, Sim’s actions and his exploitation of his NASA affiliation to win over trust signal a deep-seated predatory nature. The assaults — alleged to have occurred between 2019 and 2022 at Sim’s residence near Houston’s downtown area — were reportedly preceded by Sim’s interactions with victims through dating platforms like Hinge, East Meets East, and OkCupid.
Victims claim that Sim — under the guise of seeking a serious relationship — led them into situations where he then forcibly assaulted them.
The use of his NASA credentials and extensive international travel history to places such as Japan, Canada, and the U.K. have led investigators to speculate about the existence of more victims, both within the United States and abroad.
The 37-year-old was initially imprisoned and later released on a $ 700,000 USD bond. He is now under constant strict surveillance, including a 24-hour house arrest and monitoring of his electronic communications.
Space giant NASA has acknowledged Sim’s arrest but has refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal proceedings. However, the company has confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement and the possibility of internal actions based on the outcome.
NASA’s security team cooperated with local law enforcement agencies on Thursday, Feb. 29, when they arrested an employee at Johnson Space Center in Houston. However, it is not appropriate for NASA to comment on ongoing investigations. NASA will take any and all appropriate personnel action based on our own investigation as well as facts shared with us from local investigative and prosecutorial organizations.
— NASA
Neal Davis, representing Sim as his lawyer, asserts his client’s innocence — suggesting the accusations stem from consensual relationships gone sour.
Eric Sim has pleaded not guilty. He had consensual relations with women he met on online dating sites and unfortunately a few of them have made false allegations. The relationships didn’t turn out the way the complainants hoped they would, and we look forward to presenting the whole truth to a jury.
— Davis via KPRC
Source: Click2Houston and DailyMail
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