By Chris Paschenko
The Daily News
Published September 27, 2009
GALVESTON — A self-described “serial rapist” accused of peeping in a Galveston woman’s window, told police how he selected his victims to fulfill desires of power and control, Michigan public records reveal.
Meanwhile, privacy issues prevent the Transportation Security Administration from commenting about how a convicted sex offender either passed a criminal-background check or received a waiver to work at the Port of Galveston, an administration spokeswoman said.
Mark J. Semkiw, 47, remained jailed Friday on a $500,000 bond on a charge of failing to register as a sex offender. He is accused of peeping into a woman’s house just two blocks from his address in the 4200 block of Avenue T on Tuesday. His correct address wasn’t registered with Galveston police, a police spokesman said.
Selecting Victims
Semkiw spent 19 years in a Michigan prison for sexually assaulting two women. He described in graphic detail for Dearborn, Mich., police how he selected victims.
The statements attributed to Semkiw are Dearborn investigators’ version of their interview him.
“He would walk the neighborhood and was well aware of the alleys and houses with dogs and the general and specific layout of his neighborhood,” Dearborn police interview transcripts state.
The rapes committed by Semkiw followed simple home break-ins, Dearborn police records state.
“He used to walk around his neighborhood all night casing houses for potential break-ins,” the documents state.
“During his prowling, he often saw women undressing through open windows. He got the idea to rape a woman while window peeping,” the documents state.
As Semkiw walked his neighborhood, he would identify single, white women living alone and break-in at night, according to police records.
He was spotted in backyards unscrewing motion sensor security lights, which struck investigators as preparation for a nighttime return, a police bulletin said.
Power And Control
Semkiw read the Dearborn newspaper to learn whether a woman reported her rape, police records state.
“You ask anyone who is convicted of rape, and they’ll tell you it’s not about the sexual act,” police records state.
“It’s about being able to have the power and control over women or the situation.”
Semkiw admitted having blackouts from heavy drinking and cocaine use, police records state.
Investigators wrote that Semkiw wore women’s pantyhose over his face and crashed through a window. A woman inside asked whether he wanted to snort a line of cocaine.
Semkiw said the woman believed her boyfriend had sent him as part of fulfilling her sexual fantasy, police records state.
“Semkiw stated that this took all the power and control away from him, and he left without raping her,” police records state.
Admitted ‘Serial Rapist’
Semkiw told Dearborn police of three rapes before ending an interview by describing himself as a “serial rapist”, police records state.
The interview ends with Semkiw saying that he knew Michigan Department of Corrections perceives “serial rapists as impossible to rehabilitate and needed to be incarcerated forever,” police records state.
Semkiw spent 19 years in prison, including 16 for one count each of criminal sexual conduct and breaking and entering with intent, according to Michigan Department of Corrections documents.
After serving his time, Semkiw was returned to jail after reaching a plea agreement on a 1980s rape, for which he served three years.
The plea agreement waived prosecution on all other rapes before 1988, public records reveal.
Semkiw told police, “sometimes when a woman says no, she means maybe,” police records state.
“And maybe means yes, and then I would take their money and be done with them.”
Semkiw told police he was raised by an alcoholic father who beat his mother, which he was helpless to prevent, police records state.
Securing Your Home
Although police arrested Semkiw outside the Galveston woman’s home, the woman told The Daily News she was too afraid to live there anymore.
There are steps people can take to protect themselves from home invasions, Galveston police Lt. D.J. Alvarez said.
“Always leave a front and back porch light on,” Alvarez said. “It’s a deterrent. And always ensure windows and doors are locked.”
Draw window blinds to allow natural sunlight but to a point that prevents people from seeing inside, Alvarez said. Dogs and alarm systems are also deterrents, he said.
“If people do chose to purchase a firearm for protection, first read instructions that come with the gun,” Alvarez said.
“Secondly, go get formal training on how to use a firearm, such as a gun safety class or concealed handgun license.”
It’s important to be aware of your surroundings, and immediately report suspicious activity to police, Alvarez said.
TSA Tight-Lipped
The Transportation Safety Administration cited privacy issues for refusing to discuss how Semkiw, who was released from prison in 2007, qualified for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential to work at the Port of Galveston.
The administration performs thorough threat assessments on applicants, and workers who receive one are deemed not to pose a threat to the nation’s transportation system, an administration spokeswoman said.
If a credential holder is charged with a crime, the administration will review the case and could purse revocation, the spokeswoman said.
