A serial predator will most likely never walk free again after receiving what amounts to an effective life sentence this week for sexually assaulting and strangling an 81-year-old woman in her Manhattan apartment two years ago, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.
Repeat offender Avon Long, 79, was found guilty of kidnapping, attempted rape, sexual abuse, strangulation and other charges by a New York State Supreme Court jury in May for his heinous attack on the elderly victim in early October 2023.
Long pushed his way into the victim’s apartment in an older adult center in Midtown, slapped her repeatedly and ordered her to undress and lie down on the bed, then climbed on top of her and sexually assaulted her for over an hour while covering her mouth with his hand to stifle her screams, according to court documents.
After sexually abusing and assaulting her, Long tied her wrists with a phone charger cord and warned her not to call the police or try to escape until he had time to get away. He left the apartment briefly but returned and strangled her until she passed out, prosecutors said at trial.
When the woman woke up, she disregarded Long’s warning and immediately called the police, who arrested Long later that day. The victim was hospitalized for two weeks but ultimately made a full recovery, according to the D.A.
“This defendant horrifically abused a defenseless, 81-year-old woman, which was proven through the survivor’s honest and unwavering testimony at trial,” Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg said in a statement. “I commend her bravery and hope this significant prison sentence can allow her to move forward. I also want to thank our prosecutors for conducting a thorough investigation and putting a comprehensive case in front of the jury to ensure this defendant will face accountability,” Bragg said.
Long has spent much of his adult life in prison for similar crimes.
He committed his first sexual assault more than 50 years ago, pleading guilty to rape and robbery in 1967, when he was 21, according to court documents.
After spending nearly a decade in prison he was set free and was on probation for less than three years before committing two more violent sexual assaults, again pleading guilty to two counts of rape in 1979.
Long was released on parole in 2015 after spending more than 35 years in prison.
After sexually assaulting his latest victim, Long opted for a jury trial. With his age and the minimum sentence of 32 years, he will most likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.