LYFT PREDATOR charged on 41 counts for kidnapping and sexual assault of 10 women, but numbers could rise
Warning: The article contains information about sexual assault that could be triggering to some readers. Discretion is advised.
DENVER, COLORADO: John Pastor-Medoza, 41, a Lyft driver, has been charged with 41 felony counts by the Denver District Attorney's Office for reportedly kidnapping, sexually assaulting, and attempting to sexually abuse 10 women between September 16, 2018, and July 9, 2022. Police are investigating the case and believe there may be more victims linked to the suspect.
According to Law & Crime Network, investigators claimed that when the women used a ride-sharing app to request a ride, Pastor-Mendoza responded as the driver. He then allegedly sexually assaulted his female victims either in his car or took them to his house and assaulted them there, according to prosecutors. In addition to assaulting the victims, police said that he would steal the victims' cell phones. According to the affidavit, Pastor-Mendoza is charged with 10 counts of kidnapping his victim to commit a sexual offense, 8 counts of sexual assault, 4 counts of sexual assault, 6 counts of attempted sexual assault, 12 counts of attempted sexual assault, and one count of robbery till date.
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The affidavit states that Pastor-Mendoza would target heavily intoxicated women who would seek rides home from bars or nightclubs. Multiple women claimed to have passed out before waking up to find themselves the victims of sexual assault in an unknown apartment or in a moving vehicle.
According to the DA, on July 21, 2022, Denver police received a DNA match from three women linking Pastor-Mendoza to the alleged victims. He was arrested on August 19, 2022. The Tracks bar provided investigators with a crucial tip that led to the suspect's arrest.
The alleged incidents were reported to have occurred on:
The Matchbox, 2625 Larimer St on Sept. 16, 2018.
Beta Nightclub, 1909 Blake St on Dec. 29-30, 2018.
LoDo area on March 9, 2019.
LoDo’s Bar and Grill, 1946 Market St on March 17, 2019.
Neon Baby, 1942 Market Street on July 27, 2019.
The Irish Rover Pub, 54 South Broadway on Aug. 15, 2021.
Speer Boulevard and 13th Street on Sept. 23, 2021.
Tracks Denver, 3500 Walnut St on March 4, May 13-14, and July 8-9, 2022.
A Lyft spokesperson told Law&Crime, "The behavior described is absolutely appalling, and the driver has been permanently removed from the Lyft community. We have been in touch with law enforcement to assist with their investigation and stand ready to provide support in an ongoing capacity."
Uber spokesperson Navideh Forghani said, "Based on the information provided in the affidavit, the suspect has never used the Uber platform to drive and has never been a driver."
Denver cops are urging more victims to come forward with information and call them at (720) 913-2000.