san antonio – Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar is appealing to other potential victims to come forward in a case involving a local photographer accused of sexual assault.
John Stephen Rill, 48, is accused of having sex with a female customer in her 20s after giving her alcohol.
Salazar said the woman told investigators she drank something she believed to be wine and felt dizzy.
“She almost lost consciousness,” Salazar said. “When she regained consciousness, we believe the next thing she remembers was her suspect urging her to take a bath to hide evidence.”
Salazar said testing is being done to determine if anything else was added to the drink.
The woman told investigators the incident happened last Saturday at Lill's home outside Boerne.
She said she hired Lil to take boudoir-style photos.
Salazar said the woman told investigators that she and a friend arrived at Lill's house, but Lill turned the person away, saying it would take time to take photos.
After the alleged attack, the woman was able to contact an acquaintance, who called 911, the sheriff's office said.
Officers then arrested the suspect at his home.
When questioned by investigators, Lill admitted to giving the woman wine and having sex with her, Salazar said. “Obviously, of course, he claims this was consensual. The victim has stated otherwise,” the sheriff said.
Lil was taken to jail, but was later released on bail.
Salazar said the photo shoot was likely intended as a side job for Lill.
KSAT 12 News has learned that he also worked as a staff photographer at USAA.
Salazar said there is no evidence that anything has happened related to the company at this time.
Still, a USAA spokesperson said Lill was fired immediately after being notified of his arrest.
Christian Beauvais also said USAA is cooperating fully with the criminal investigation.
In the meantime, sheriff's investigators are asking anyone who may be a potential victim to call 210-335-6000.
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