Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the sentencing of AVON LONG, 79, to 32 years-to-life in state prison for sexually assaulting and strangling an 81-year-old woman in her apartment. On May 13, a New York State Supreme Court jury found LONG guilty of Kidnapping in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree as a Sexually Motivated Felony, Attempted Rape in the First Degree, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Strangulation in the Second Degree.

“This defendant horrifically abused a defenseless, 81-year-old woman, which was proven through the survivor’s honest and unwavering testimony at trial. 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,” said District Attorney Bragg.

According to court documents and statements made on the record, LONG has spent decades in prison for sexual assault. He was indicted in 1967 and ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of Rape in the First Degree and one count of Robbery in the First Degree. He was incarcerated for approximately ten years. In early 1979, shortly after his release on parole, LONG committed additional violent sexual assaults, and later pleaded guilty to two additional counts of Rape in the First Degree. He remained incarcerated until 2015.

As proven at trial, on October 4, 2023, LONG pushed his way into the 81-year-old survivor’s apartment in an older adult center in Midtown. He slapped her repeatedly and ordered her to undress and lie down on the bed. He then climbed on top of her, covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming, and proceeded to sexually assault her.

After sexually assaulting the survivor for over an hour, LONG used a phone charger cord to tie her wrists and warned her not to call the police or try to escape until he had time to get away. He then left the apartment briefly, only to return moments later and strangle her until she lost consciousness.  

LONG was arrested later that day, after the survivor regained consciousness and called for help.  The survivor was hospitalized for approximately two weeks, but ultimately made a full recovery. 

Assistant D.A.s Mirah Curzer and Cory Robinson handled the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Deputy Bureau Chiefs Vanessa Puzio, Bethany Spiro, and Kaitlyn Flatley, Bureau Chief Nicole Blumberg, and Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney (Chief of the Special Victims Division). Nakeisha Vanterpool, the dedicated sex crimes counselor from the Survivor Services Bureau; Special Victims investigators Diana Keam, Alan Sandomir, Genesis De Luna, and Donjya Bardliving; and Trial Preparation Assistant Gregory Fleming provided valuable assistance in this case. 

Defendant Information:
Avon Long
Bronx, New York

Convicted:

• Kidnapping in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Burglary in the First Degree as a Sexually Motivated Felony, a class B felony, one count
• Burglary in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Attempted Rape in the First Degree, a class C felony, one count
• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a class D felony, one count
• Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count
• Strangulation in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count

Sentenced

• 32 years-to-life

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