Biochemist accused of drugging and raping women in Miami Beach gets plea deal

A biochemist accused by police of drugging and raping multiple women inside his luxury Miami Beach condo has pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in state prison, NBC6 learned.

Records show that Jeremy D. Bittner, 44, pleaded guilty to several charges across four criminal cases involving three separate women. After serving his prison sentence, Bittner — now a convicted sex offender — will be placed under house arrest for two years, followed by five years of probation.

Wine and drugs 

According to records, Bittner pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and sexual battery of a 47-year-old woman in January 2022.

The victim told police that because she was friends with Bittner, she agreed to spend time with him as he was “spiraling out of control due to his divorce.” Once inside his home, she noticed he was smoking crack and using cocaine.

After being given a glass of wine, the woman said she began to feel “very drowsy” and started to forget things. She believed she had been drugged.

Investigators said Bittner then removed her clothing and touched her inappropriately. The woman stated she fought him off and was able to leave the residence.

Italian tourist 

Bittner also pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual battery and one count of false imprisonment in connection with the October 2022 rape of a 25-year-old woman.

The victim, who lived in Rome, told police she met Bittner while searching for a rental opportunity in Miami Beach on social media. According to records, he offered her a room in his apartment.

When she arrived in Miami, she noticed the apartment’s living room table was covered with narcotics. At one point, Bittner became physically violent — yanking her head, grabbing her by the throat, and raping her twice, according to police.

Pack of cocaine

Bittner also pleaded guilty to one count of battery and one count of false imprisonment in connection with a February 2023 incident involving a 34-year-old woman.

The victim told police she met Bittner in an elevator. Later that week, they spent time together in his apartment. She agreed to have drinks, but said Bittner repeatedly offered her drugs.

When she refused, he allegedly threw a packet of suspected cocaine at her. Investigators say Bittner then forcibly poured a liquid into her mouth.

Her next memory was waking up on a sofa, where she said Bittner grabbed her neck and applied “extreme force.”

‘Use your time wisely‘

As part of the plea deal offered by Miami-Dade State Attorneys, Bittner also pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and butanediol.

In addition to prison time, he must complete a program for mentally disordered sex offenders.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Judge Ellen Sue Venzer reminded Bittner of the program and told him to “use your time wisely.”

Other cases

NBC6 previously reported on two additional sexual battery cases involving Bittner in 2023. However, records indicate those cases were later dismissed.

Bittner’s attorney declined to comment following Tuesday’s hearing.