‘Disturbing pattern’: A kidnapper lured women into ‘romantic relations’ on Facebook by portraying as a nurse in’scrubs and lab coats,’ according to feds
A 30-year-old man from New Jersey allegedly posed as a nurse on the internet to entice unsuspecting women from New York into what he portrayed as “romantic relationships.” However, authorities claim that his intentions took a sinister turn, as he reportedly abducted the victims, including a 2-year-old child, and engaged in “deeply disturbing and heinous acts.”
Herman Calvin Brightman, also known as Nazir Griffiths and Nazir Luckett, utilized Facebook and the dating app Hinge to engage with and occasionally pursue relationships with multiple women by presenting himself falsely. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, these incidents occurred between November 2021 and September 2023. It was revealed that when these women attempted to distance themselves from him, Brightman became violent. This information was announced on Monday by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Brightman, a resident of West New York, N.J., allegedly deceived the victims by falsely claiming to be a medical professional in the New York area, thereby establishing trust and enticing them into relationships.
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the victims in this case include four adult women and the 2-year-old child of one of those women.
In May 2023, Brightman lured Victim-2 into a romantic relationship on Hinge by posing as a nurse, according to federal authorities.
In that same month, Brightman redirected his focus towards Victim-3, a woman residing in the Bronx, New York. He deceitfully portrayed himself as a nurse and managed to persuade her into entering a relationship, as authorities have claimed.
In August and September 2023, Brightman reportedly initiated a relationship with Victim-4 through Hinge. However, towards the end of September, they had an argument and Victim-4 blocked Brightman’s number. Instead of respecting her decision and discontinuing contact, Brightman allegedly went as far as driving from New Jersey to the Bronx and contacting her from a different cell phone number.
Herman Brightman is said to be pictured wearing a lab coat and mask on the left, while on the right, he is seen wearing scrubs, according to the images obtained from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Brightman has been indicted on multiple charges including kidnapping, stalking, interstate travel to commit domestic violence, interstate threats, and cyberstalking. If convicted, he could face up to 85 years in prison. The charges also include a potential mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years, with the possibility of a life sentence, for the alleged kidnapping of Victim 1’s child.
Williams expressed gratitude and admiration for the brave women who had the courage to come forward and report Brightman, stating that the charges filed against him effectively put an end to his abusive and violent behavior.
According to the NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, Brightman is described as a “serial predator” who has committed “deeply disturbing and heinous acts.”
Court records were examined by Law&Crime, revealing that Brightman made an appearance in court on Monday, accompanied by his counsel, Federal Defender Neil Kelly. U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara C. Moses ordered the defendant to be detained due to the risk of flight or danger. Additionally, a status conference has been scheduled for Wednesday morning in the courtroom of U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan.
The indictment was filed under seal on December 7th, and it was unsealed four days later, resulting in Brightman’s arrest.
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