Convicted Kidnapper, Rapist Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison
by Veronique Masterson
LAS CRUCES — The man accused of kidnapping and raping a woman in 2006 will spend more than 20 years behind bars.
Freddy Montoya, 49, was handed a 25-year prison sentence Tuesday. He was convicted last December in connection with the case.
When allowed to address the court and the victim, Montoya had nothing to say to the victim and only spoke about how the crime affected him.
“It’s been a nightmare for me and my family. I have an 18-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son,” said Montoya. “[My daughter] is going to graduate this year and I wish I could be at her graduation.”
The victim did not want to speak to the court — and through her attorney — asked that Montoya get the maximum 45-year sentence. When the judge handed down the 25-year sentence, the victim looked down in disappointment.
Prosecutors said the victim was driving home in March of 2006, the victim was driving home when she came across a pick-up truck that was blocking the road.
According to the, two men got out of the truck and forced their way into her car. They took turn holding her hands while the other raped her. The other man involved in the rape escaped and has eluded investigators ever since.
“Her life will never be the same because she will never get over this,” said Heather Constantino-Chavez, the prosecutor in the case. “She is still suffering the effects of that night.”
The victim said she was disappointed Montoya did not get the maximum sentence but is still relieved. “I still can’t go out at night, it’s scary to me. As long as he is put away it’s enough for me,” she said.
