Victor Jenkins has been sentenced to 50 years-to-life in prison for the brutal rapes of two women in Manhattan, following a conviction on multiple felony charges, including Predatory Sexual Assault and Criminal Sexual Act. District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg announced the sentence, emphasizing the importance of believing and supporting survivors of sexual violence. Jenkins attacked the women after responding to their online advertisements for commercial sex, using a knife to intimidate and assault them. His conviction, achieved through a collaborative effort between the D.A.’s Office and the NYPD, underscores a commitment to holding violent offenders accountable and providing justice for victims.
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
5 Critical Questions from a Republican Perspective:
- How does the sentencing of Victor Jenkins reflect the effectiveness of Manhattan’s criminal justice system, especially in light of concerns about rising violent crime rates in the city?
- In light of this case, what changes to current policies around sex work and human trafficking do Republicans believe are necessary to better protect vulnerable individuals?
- Are the measures currently in place sufficient to deter repeat offenders like Jenkins, and how can New York ensure that violent criminals are kept off the streets?
- How does this case challenge the narrative surrounding criminal justice reform, and what arguments can be made for stricter sentencing laws to deter future violent crimes?
- What role does community safety play in discussions around prosecutorial decisions, and how can the D.A.’s office improve public trust in their ability to handle cases involving sexual violence?
Sources: Manhattan DA , Midtown Tribune
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