Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., recently announced the sentencing of Avon Long, a 79-year-old man, to a prison term of 32 years-to-life for the sexual assault and strangulation of an 81-year-old woman. According to a statement obtained by Manhattan District Attorney's Office, Long was found guilty by a New York State Supreme Court jury on charges including Kidnapping in the First Degree and Attempted Rape in the First Degree.
The court records revealed that Long has a disturbing history of sexual violence. Following his first indictment in 1967, he served about ten years in prison before being paroled. Within a short period after release, Long was convicted again for subsequent sexual assaults and remained behind bars till 2015. Despite this record, Long managed to cruelly abuse an elderly woman in her own home on October 4, 2023. He forced his way into her apartment at an older adult center in Midtown, assaulted her for over an hour, and left her tied and strangled to near-death with a phone charger cord.
"This defendant horrifically abused a defenseless, 81-year-old woman, which was proven through the survivor’s honest and unwavering testimony at trial," D.A. Bragg stated. The survivor's brave testimony at trial was a key element in securing Long's conviction. After the attack, the survivor was hospitalized for nearly two weeks but ultimately made a full recovery, as reported by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
Assistant D.A.s Mirah Curzer and Cory Robinson were responsible for prosecuting the case, with substantial support from a specialized team. As D.A. Bragg pointed out, the diligence and thorough work of the prosecution team were instrumental in making sure Long would face accountability for his heinous actions.
