Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg announced the sentencing of Victor Jenkins to 50 years-to-life in prison for the violent sexual assaults of two women in November 2022. Jenkins, convicted of multiple felonies including Predatory Sexual Assault, Criminal Sexual Act, and Robbery, responded to online ads for commercial sex, attacking the women at knifepoint in their homes. His conviction follows a thorough investigation by the NYPD and the District Attorney’s Office, which consolidated the cases for trial. Jenkins’ sentencing highlights efforts to bring justice to victims, with the D.A. emphasizing the importance of supporting survivors regardless of their circumstances.
D.A. Bragg Announces Prison Sentence For Man Convicted Of Raping Two Women At Knifepoint
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the sentencing of VICTOR JENKINS, 46, to 50 years-to-life for violently raping two young women after responding to their online advertisements for commercial sex on separate occasions in November 2022. On August 6, 2024, JENKINS was convicted by a New York State Supreme Court jury of multiple counts of Predatory Sexual Assault, Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, and Robbery in the Second Degree, among other crimes.
“Victor Jenkins targeted vulnerable women who he thought would not report his brutal attacks, even explicitly telling one that law enforcement would not believe her. Not only did our prosecutors believe these women, so did a jury of 12 New Yorkers,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Now, he will serve a significant prison sentence for these horrific crimes. I thank the survivors for their immense courage in cooperating with law enforcement and, moreover, taking the stand to testify. I hope this conviction sends the message that we are here to help all survivors, no matter the circumstances.”
As proven at trial, on November 6, 2022, JENKINS went to a 26-year-old woman’s East Harlem apartment after responding to her online advertisement. Armed with a black folding knife, he tackled her before raping and sexually assaulting her, while surreptitiously recording portions of the attack on his cellphone. After, JENKINS refused to pay her and left. The survivor did not initially report the attack.
Further as proven at trial, on November 9, 2022, JENKINS went to a 20-year-old woman’s hotel room in Times Square after responding to her online advertisement. He held the same folding knife to her throat and repeatedly forcibly raped and sexually assaulted her. He stabbed and cut her arms, beat, strangled, and pepper sprayed her. JENKINS took a photo of her driver’s license in order to intimidate her and left with her duffle bag stuffed with the bedding upon which the assaults occurred.
The 20-year-old went to the hospital that night and reported the rape to the police; JENKINS was indicted five days later. The D.A.’s Office continued investigating and identified the survivor from the earlier attack and indicted that case in March 2023. The indictments were consolidated for trial. After a four-week jury trial that included extensive testimony from both survivors, JENKINS was convicted on all 19 counts.
Assistant D.A.s Austin Minogue and Elizabeth Kuehn handled the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Nicole Blumberg and Jonathan Junig, and Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney (Chief of the Special Victims Division). Senior Investigator Sean Ryan, Senior Investigator Ariella DaSilva, Investigative Analyst Eva Nikitovic, Former Investigative Analysts Charlotte McCarthy and Noah Taylor, and Human Trafficking Clinical Director Melissa Martinez-Valdes provided valuable assistance.
District Attorney Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Peter Lumia of the Manhattan Special Victim Squad.
VICTOR JENKINS
Convicted:
- Predatory Sexual Assault, a class A felony, six counts
- Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, a class B felony, two counts
- Attempted Assault in the First Degree, a class C felony, one count
- Robbery in the Second Degree, a class C felony, one count
- Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, two counts
Sentenced:
- 50 years-to-life in state prison
October 8, 2024 Manhattan, NY
Critical Questions :
- Is Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg’s handling of violent crime cases like this consistent with his previous stance on criminal justice reform and bail reform, which have faced Republican criticism for being too lenient on crime?
- How does this case highlight the effectiveness or failure of New York’s current policies on prostitution and human trafficking, and should there be tougher enforcement?
- What steps is the D.A.’s office taking to ensure repeat offenders like Victor Jenkins are kept off the streets, given concerns about rising crime rates in the city?
- How does this case influence the broader debate on the need for stricter sentencing laws and judicial reforms that Republicans argue are necessary to deter violent crime?
- Given Jenkins’ long sentence, how can New York ensure that other violent criminals are held accountable to prevent future tragedies, and is the current legal system doing enough to protect victims?
Sources: Manhattan DA , Midtown Tribune
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