SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. – Authorities have arrested 28-year-old Rahson Govantes, a New York resident, after a woman reported being kidnapped, tortured, and forced to commit crimes while traveling across the United States.
The arrest comes after a shocking investigation into alleged abuse and nationwide fraud schemes that involved multiple states.
Arrest and Investigation
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at 2:43 p.m. on Saturday to The Shoppes at Chino Hills, following a report of suspicious subjects loitering in front of Sephora.
During the investigation, Govantes and an unidentified female accomplice were taken into custody.
Deputies recovered multiple fraudulent identification cards, Social Security cards, and debit cards from the suspects.
Allegations and Abuse
The 51-year-old victim told authorities that she had been kidnapped and forced to travel across the country with Govantes and an unidentified Black female adult.
According to the sheriff’s office, the purpose of the alleged kidnapping was for the victim to commit fraud nationwide to repay debts she owed, as per Law&Crime.
During their travels, Govantes and the female suspect reportedly tortured and abused the victim, using cigarettes and a curling iron to inflict harm.
Potential Additional Victims
Authorities released a photo of Rahson Govantes and are urging anyone with information about possible other victims to come forward. The female suspect’s identity has not been publicly released.
Govantes remains in custody at the San Bernardino County Jail without bond, facing multiple charges, including:
- Aggravated mayhem
- Torture
- Kidnapping
- Assault with a deadly weapon
Community and Safety Concerns
Law enforcement officials stressed that Govantes may have victimized other women, highlighting the importance of community vigilance.
Authorities encourage residents to report any suspicious activity or information about potential fraud or abuse related to this case.
Share Your Thoughts
What are your reactions to this shocking kidnapping and abuse case in California? How should law enforcement work to prevent similar crimes from happening across state lines? Share your opinions and insights in the comments below — your perspective matters.
