DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver district attorney has filed 41 counts against a 41-year-old man after he allegedly kidnapped, sexually assaulted or attempted to sexually assault 10 women.
According to the Denver District Attorney’s Office, John Pastor-Mendoza has been charged with 41 felony counts after allegedly committing multiple crimes between Sept. 16, 2018, and July 9, 2022.
The DA said that Pastor-Mendoza allegedly responded as the driver when the 10 women used a ride-sharing app to request a ride.
Prosecutors said Pastor-Mendoza either sexually assault the victims in his vehicle or took them to his home and assaulted them. According to the DA, on July 21, 2022, Denver police received a DNA match from three women linking Pastor-Mendoza to the alleged victims.
The alleged incidents were reported to have occurred on:
- Sept. 16, 2018 – The Matchbox, 2625 Larimer St.
- Dec. 29 – 30, 2018 – Beta Nightclub, 1909 Blake St.
- March 9, 2019 – LoDo area
- March 17, 2019 – LoDo’s Bar and Grill, 1946 Market St.
- July 27, 2019 – Neon Baby, 1942 Market Street
- Aug. 15, 2021 – The Irish Rover Pub, 54 South Broadway
- Sept. 23, 2021- Speer Boulevard and 13th Street
- March 4, 2022 – Tracks Denver, 3500 Walnut St.
- May 13 – 14, 2022 – Tracks Denver, 3500 Walnut St.
- July 8 – 9, 2022 – Tracks Denver, 3500 Walnut St.
Pastor-Mendoza is charged with the following:
- 10 counts of kidnapping his victims to commit a sexual offense
- Eight counts of sexual assault – class three felony
- Four counts of sexual assault – class four felony
- Six counts of attempted sexual assault – class four felony
- 12 counts of attempted sexual assault – class five felony
- One count of robbery
Pastor-Mendoza’s next court appearance is Nov. 4.
Denver police are asking anyone with information or who thinks they may have been assaulted by Pastor-Mendez to call 720-913-2000.
Statement from Lyft
FOX31 confirmed that Pastor-Mendoza was a driver for the company Lyft and a spokesperson from the company provided us with this statement:
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.
Lyft spokesperson
National Sexual Assault Hotline
The National Sexual Assault Hotline has a variety of ways to help you. Whether you are looking for support, advice, information or a referral, the hotline can help you.
- Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Chat: Trained specialist can chat with you online
- Mobile app
- Chatbot: Iris can help with resources, referrals, and information