A man found guilty of raping many women was given a life sentence without the chance of release by a Napa County judge.
At a hearing on Wednesday that was attended by a number of his victims, Judge Ella Ortiz sentenced 31-year-old Santiago Torres Mendez Jr., according to the Napa County District Attorney’s Office. In addition to the life sentence, the judge imposed consecutive sentences of 14 years in prison and 215 years to life.
In November, a jury found Mendez guilty of six rape charges, two kidnapping charges, three forcible oral copulation charges, two sexual penetration by foreign object charges, and four felony assault charges.
Mendez was found guilty by the jury of raping four victims and assaulting a fifth with the intention of raping them. According to the prosecution, some of the victims were younger than eighteen, and the crimes occurred in the counties of Napa, Sacramento, and Humboldt.
According to a statement from Deputy District Attorney Kristen Orlando, “this sentence ensures that Santiago Torres Mendez Jr. will never again harm another person or endanger our community.” “His violent, well-planned crimes had a profound effect on his victims’ life. We are steadfast in our resolve to hold criminals responsible for their acts and will not put up with such predatory behavior in our society.”
On April 28, 2021, Mendez was taken into custody after assaulting an 18-year-old victim. According to the prosecution, he took the woman to a secluded area of Napa County, where he raped her by the side of the road and strangled her until she passed out.
She fled and phoned the police, according to the prosecution. When deputies arrived on the scene, they assisted the victim and arrested Mendez.
“The defendant’s actions were heinous, premeditated, and demonstrated a complete disregard for human dignity,” Michelle Roberts, the deputy district attorney, stated. “We stand with the survivors who bravely shared their stories and deeply value the collective efforts that ensured justice was served in this case.”
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.