Queens, NY — A Jackson Heights man who kidnapped and assaulted three women, including two minors, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison following a series of crimes that spanned several months across Queens, prosecutors said.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz confirmed that Andres Portilla, 31, pleaded guilty in March to multiple felony charges and was sentenced by Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant to 40 years in prison, followed by 20 years of post-release supervision.
Case involves multiple victims and extended captivity
Prosecutors said the most serious incident involved a minor who was held against her will for an extended period and suffered significant physical injuries.
According to the investigation, the teen was initially lured in September 2022 and later moved to a vehicle, where she remained confined for weeks as the defendant continued to threaten and harm her.
“This defendant committed horrifying acts of physical and sexual violence against multiple victims, including two minors, as he held them captive,” District Attorney Katz said in a statement. “The abuse of one teen was so severe it resulted in permanent injuries that required months of treatment. The defendant was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Our thoughts are with the survivors, and we hope this sentence provides them with some measure of comfort as they continue healing.”
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Key Points
• Andres Portilla sentenced to 40 years for kidnapping and assaulting three victims in Queens
• One minor was held for an extended period and suffered lasting injuries
• Defendant pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including kidnapping and rape
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Additional incidents reported during same period
While the first victim remained in captivity, prosecutors said Portilla targeted additional victims.
In a separate incident, a second minor was lured into his vehicle and assaulted before being released the same day.
On January 1, 2023, a 21-year-old woman was also approached and taken against her will, according to authorities. She was held for several days before being released and later reported the incident to police, receiving medical care at a hospital.
Arrest followed investigation and pursuit
Authorities said the case came together after investigators identified both the suspect and his vehicle, leading to a manhunt and a police pursuit.
Portilla was taken into custody on January 6, 2023. At the time of his arrest, the first victim was located and transported to a hospital, where she underwent extended treatment for her injuries.
He later pleaded guilty on March 23 to charges including kidnapping in the second degree, assault in the first degree, rape in the first degree, and other related offenses.
Prosecution and case status
The case was prosecuted by the Queens District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Bureau, with Assistant District Attorney Sean Jaime leading the prosecution.
The sentencing brings the criminal case to a close, with Portilla now serving his prison term under the New York State Department of Corrections.