MS-13 rapist draws 2 life terms

Montgomery County Sentinel - Sep 13 4:29 PM
By Mike Sarzo
Sentinel Staff Writer

Prince George's County Circuit Court Judge Dwight Jackson sentenced a former MS-13 member to two life terms Monday for his part in a brutal rape case that began nearly two years ago, according to a statement by Prince George's County State's Attorney Glenn F. Ivey's office.

A jury found Jafet Hernandez, 20, of Riverdale guilty March 29, 2006 of first-degree rape, first-degree sexual offense, kidnapping and robbery of a Riverdale woman in October 2005.

"This case shows how despicable people do unfathomable acts," Ivey said. "The jury's decision reflects the community's desire to send a strong message about group violence."

According to the statement, the incident began when Hernandez and another Hispanic male demanded money from the victim and her sister-in-law as they were walking home from a bus stop near Riverdale Plaza. The victim knocked on a door to seek help, but the second suspect grabbed her and joined Hernandez in dragging her to a bamboo grove near the side of a house.

A third suspect then joined them and the three men raped the victim. Her sister-in-law reported the abduction to the police, but the three men continued to rape her. One suspect shoved a mop handle in her vagina. The men threatened to kill her several times, but they fled when they heard police sirens.

The victim spotted Hernandez in a car with his mother Nov. 4, 2005 and notified police, who later arrested him.

Another defendant, Hector Mosquera was convicted of first-degree rape and three counts of first-degree sexual offense in connection with this case. Judge Richard A. Sothoron sentenced Mosquera to two life terms July 2, 2006.

According to Ivey's statement, the victim testified tearfully in Spanish against Hernandez during the trial.

"It is good that this defendant will be held accountable for what he did to a defenseless woman," Ivey said. We hope this will start the road to healing for this young lady."

Fellow co-defendant Eric Reyes faces sentencing Oct. 5.

Contact Mike Sarzo at

editor-pg@thesentinel.com or

pgsentinelmike@yahoo.com

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