Rug Store Rape Suspect Rearrested in San Clemente

Correction: A previous headline on this story incorrectly stated that the alleged rape occurred in San Clemente and that the suspect, Saeid Maralan, owned the rug store. In fact, the alleged crimes occurred in Laguna Beach and the suspect is the store manager.

A registered sex offender already facing charges of sexually assaulting three women at a rug store he managed in Laguna Beach was arrested again Wednesday in San Clemente on suspicion of rape, police said.

Saeid Boustanabadi Maralan, 53, was nabbed at 2:15 p.m. at the San Clemente branch of Sirous and Sons Rug Gallery, according to Laguna Beach police Lt. Jason Kravetz. Maralan reportedly manages both shops.

All of the alleged attacks occurred at the Laguna Beach store, Kravetz said.

Maralan, who lives in Laguna Niguel, posted $1-million bail this past weekend on earlier charges of rape, attempted rape, sexual penetration by a foreign object and distributing pornography to a minor.

After his initial arrest earlier this month, six more women came forward with complaints, Kravetz said.

In the latest case, Maralan was booked Wednesday on suspicion of rape, penetration with a foreign object and assault with the intent to commit oral copulation, Kravetz said, adding that the alleged crimes occurred in April 2010.

Detectives are deciding whether to seek charges on behalf of other women, he said.

For details on the earlier charges, .

—City News Service