Denver man sentenced to 290 years for ride-share assaults

John Pastor-Mendoza, a 43-year-old man from Denver, has been sentenced to 290 years to life in prison after being convicted of 30 counts related to the kidnapping and sexual assault of 12 women. Between 2018 and 2022, he posed as a rideshare driver, targeting intoxicated women who had requested rides through apps like Lyft and Uber. Prosecutors noted that he sexually assaulted two victims and attempted to assault seven others, while also robbing them of their personal belongings, including cellphones and underwear. Judge Karen Brody emphasized the predatory nature of Pastor-Mendoza's actions, which warranted a severe sentence to protect the community. The case highlights the bravery of the victims who testified against him, ensuring he would not have the opportunity to reoffend. Investigators linked Pastor-Mendoza to the crimes through DNA evidence, leading to his arrest in August 2022.