NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A repeat sex offender who has spent decades in prison for sexual assault convictions was sentenced to 32 years-to-life in prison for the violent attack on an 81-year-old woman in Midtown, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Avon Long, 79, of the Bronx, was found guilty earlier this year of kidnapping, burglary, attempted rape, sexual abuse, assault and strangulation in the assault.
According to prosecutors, Long pushed his way into the survivor’s apartment—located in an older adult center in Midtown—on Oct. 4, 2023, slapped her repeatedly and ordered her to undress and lie on the bed.
He then climbed over her, covered her mouth and sexually assaulted her, prosecutors said.
The assault went on for over an hour before Long used a phone charger to tie the woman’s wrists, warning her not to call the police or try to escape until he had time to flee. He returned moments later and strangled her until she lost consciousness.
Once the survivor woke, she called for help. She was hospitalized for about two weeks, but prosecutors said she “ultimately made a full recovery.”
“This defendant horrifically abused a defenseless, 81-year-old woman, which was proven through the survivor’s honest and unwavering testimony at trial,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. “I commend her bravery and hope this significant prison sentence can allow her to move forward.”
Long was first indicted for rape and robbery in 1967, pleaded guilty at trial and served 10 years in prison, prosecutors said. In 1979, shortly after being released on parole, he again committed violent sexual assault. He later pleaded guilty to two more counts of rape and remained in prison until 2015.
If you are a victim of sexual assault, contact the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or online.rainn.org. New York State residents may call the New York State Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline at 800-942-6906. New Jersey residents may call the Statewide Sexual Violence Hotline at 800-601-7200.