New York Man Kidnapped Woman, Forced Her on Cross-Country Crime Spree, and Tortured Her With Curling Iron, Police Say

CHINO HILLS, CALIFORNIA — A New York man has been arrested after allegedly kidnapping a 51-year-old woman, forcing her to travel cross-country, and abusing and torturing her while compelling her to commit crimes along the way.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, 28-year-old Rahson Govantes faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated mayhem, torture, kidnapping, and assault with a deadly weapon.

Cross-Country Kidnapping Leads to California Arrest

Authorities began investigating around 2:43 p.m. Saturday, when deputies responded to reports of suspicious activity outside a Sephora store at The Shoppes at Chino Hills.

When officers arrived, they found Govantes and the victim, who appeared distressed. Both were taken into custody as deputies uncovered a disturbing backstory.

“During the investigation, deputies located several fraudulent identification cards, social security cards, and debit cards,” officials said in a press release.

The woman told investigators she had been kidnapped and forced to travel across the country with Govantes and an unidentified female suspect, committing fraudulent transactions in multiple states to help repay debts she owed.

Victim Tortured During Forced Journey

As the investigation unfolded, authorities learned that the victim endured severe physical abuse during the trip.

“During their travels, Govantes and the female suspect tortured and abused the victim by burning her with cigarettes and a curling iron,” the Sheriff’s Office reported.

Officials said the victim’s injuries were consistent with prolonged torture, adding that she appeared traumatized after days of being held against her will.

The female suspect involved in the alleged crimes has not yet been identified, and investigators are still working to locate and question her.

Police Believe There May Be Other Victims

Authorities released Govantes’ booking photo publicly, saying they believe he may have targeted additional women under similar circumstances.

“Detectives have reason to believe there may be other victims,” a sheriff’s spokesperson confirmed. “Anyone with information should contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office immediately.”

Govantes is currently being held without bond at the San Bernardino County Jail. He is expected to appear in court later this week.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities coordinate with law enforcement agencies across multiple states to trace the full extent of Govantes’ alleged criminal activity.

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