A Queens man has admitted to a brutal series of kidnappings, rapes and assaults after prosecutors say he kept a teenage girl captive for months and attacked two other women, bringing a harrowing case closer to its conclusion in court.
Andres Portilla, 31, pleaded guilty Monday to charges that include kidnapping, assault, rape and criminal sexual act, according to CBS New York. He entered the plea just as his trial was about to begin, clearing the way for a sentencing hearing set for next month.
Prosecutors' account of the crimes
According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the case began in September 2022 when Portilla invited a teenage girl to a Queens apartment, then subjected her to ongoing physical and sexual abuse. Prosecutors say he eventually moved her into his car, where he continued to hold and assault her while allegedly luring and attacking additional young women.
In a statement, the DA’s office described the violence in stark terms, saying, “The brutality inflicted upon these vulnerable young women is unspeakable.” Portilla was originally indicted on dozens of counts tied to the alleged crime spree, which unfolded over several months.
Alleged violence and injuries
Court documents and reporting from 1010 WINS describe repeated beatings, along with the alleged use of a wrench and other objects during the attacks. One victim suffered an orbital fracture that required months of medical care.
Prosecutors say victims were sometimes deprived of food and forced to use containers as toilets while they were held. According to the filings, one woman was also cut and disfigured during the abuse.
How he was caught
The Queens district attorney’s office says the case broke open when one survivor sought medical treatment and reported the abuse, giving investigators the information they needed to identify Portilla and his vehicle.
Authorities say that tip led to a manhunt and vehicle chase on Jan. 6, 2023. Officers arrested Portilla after stopping the car, and investigators say one victim was still inside the vehicle when he was taken into custody.
What comes next in court
Portilla had faced a long list of charges, but his guilty plea means the case now shifts to sentencing. CBS New York reports that prosecutors expect a roughly 40-year prison sentence followed by a period of supervised release, and that Portilla is scheduled to return to court in April.
As the case moves toward sentencing, officials have continued to urge anyone with information or knowledge of additional victims to contact law enforcement. Public appeals listed the NYPD Rape Hotline and Crime Stoppers numbers for tips, according to 1010 WINS. Survivors who need help can also reach out to local victim-assistance programs and the district attorney’s victim services unit for counseling and support with the legal process.
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