Rideshare driver receives 290 years to life for assaulting women
- John Pastor-Mendoza was convicted of multiple offenses related to kidnappings and sexual assaults of women passengers.
- He used his rideshare driver status to lure victims into his vehicle, committing many of the crimes between 2018 and 2022.
- The sentence and the brave testimonies of the victims highlight the importance of safety in the rideshare industry, bringing awareness to similar cases.
In Colorado, a former rideshare driver named John Pastor-Mendoza was sentenced to a prison term of 290 years to life after being convicted of multiple charges including kidnapping and sexual assault. The crimes spanned from 2018 to 2022 and involved a total of 12 different women. Pastor-Mendoza, who posed as a legitimate rideshare driver, manipulated the system to deceive his victims into entering his vehicle. The systematic nature of his actions raised significant concerns about passenger safety in ride-share services. During the trial, which concluded in October 2024, evidence revealed that Pastor-Mendoza had assaulted some victims in his vehicle and others at different locations. Many of these women had consumed alcohol at bars prior to requesting rides, making them particularly vulnerable. His heinous acts included the sexual assault of two women, with seven additional cases involving attempted assaults. In some instances, kidnapping occurred without an assault attempt, pointing to the calculated and predatory nature of the offenses. The victim testimonies presented at trial were critical in establishing the emotional and psychological toll taken on women, as they bravely spoke out against their assailant in court. One victim, Rachel Perry, detailed her harrowing experience and stressed the significant changes in her life following the incident. Gathered evidence, including DNA matches, played an essential role in linking Pastor-Mendoza to the crimes, ultimately leading to his arrest on August 19, 2022. The case has stirred a public discourse on safety protocols within the rideshare industry and the responsibilities companies have toward their passengers. It underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and stricter vetting processes for drivers. Denver District Attorney John Walsh emphasized the value of the victims' courage, stating that the severe sentence reflects the calculated and cruel nature of Pastor-Mendoza's actions over the four-year span. The outcome of this case may encourage more victims to come forward and seek justice, promoting awareness about potential risks in ridesharing services.