Suspects kidnapped, tortured woman in cross-country scheme to commit fraud, authorities say

"A 28-year-old New York man was arrested outside an outdoor mall in Chino Hills on allegations that he, along with a female partner, kidnapped a 51-year-old woman and drove her across the country to commit fraud to repay debts she owed, according to authorities. During the cross-country trek, the suspect, Rahson Govantes, and an unidentified woman are accused of torturing their victim by burning her with cigarettes and a curling iron, according to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release."

"Deputies discovered the victim, a resident of North Carolina, and Govantes acting suspiciously and loitering outside a Sephora store in Chino Hills on Saturday afternoon, according to deputies. Deputies arrested Govantes and booked him on suspicion of aggravated mayhem, torture, kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon, the sheriff's department said. Detectives are trying to determine whether there are additional victims, and released Govantes' booking photo."

Rahson Govantes, 28, was arrested outside an outdoor mall in Chino Hills after deputies found him and a victim loitering outside a Sephora store. Authorities allege Govantes and an unidentified female accomplice kidnapped a 51-year-old North Carolina resident and drove her across the country to force her to commit fraud to repay debts. During the trip, the victim was allegedly tortured with cigarette burns and a curling iron. Govantes was booked on suspicion of aggravated mayhem, torture, kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon. The female suspect remains at large and detectives are investigating additional possible victims. The Chino Hills Police Department and We-Tip Hotline seek tips.

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