Queens barber receives 34-year sentence for sexually assaulting two girls, aged 16 and 12.

A man from St. Albans, identified as a serial rapist, has received a sentence of 34 years in prison after pleading guilty to violently sexually assaulting two minors. This judgment was announced by the Queens District Attorney’s Office, underscoring the severity of his offenses and the impact on the victims involved.

Viando Ricketts, who is 31 years old and worked as a barber, received a sentence of 22 years for the rape of a 12-year-old girl, as well as an additional 12 years for the assault of a 16-year-old girl. The heinous acts took place in 2022, with both victims enduring traumatic experiences that have left lasting scars.

The court documents reveal that Ricketts’s first victim, a 16-year-old girl, was approached by him while she was working a summer job. In an effort to gain her trust, Ricketts initially presented himself as friendly by buying her food. However, he maliciously lured her to the Belmont Motel located on Hempstead Avenue in Queens Village, where he proceeded to assault her while she attempted to flee.

Following the attack, Ricketts expressed remorse and manipulated the victim into continuing a relationship, during which he subjected her to ongoing sexual and physical abuse. Incidents of violence escalated, including a particularly brutal episode in October 2022 where he physically assaulted her during an argument.

The abuse did not stop there. Even after their relationship ended, Ricketts exploited the situation to coerce the victim into his vehicle for a conversation, ultimately raping her again.

In parallel, Ricketts encountered another victim, a 12-year-old girl who had recently escaped from a group home. He provided her with food and alcohol before leading her to the same motel, where he also raped her, demonstrating a clear pattern of predatory behavior.

The 12-year-old disclosed her assault to hospital staff during a separate medical visit, prompting a police investigation. Meanwhile, the 16-year-old victim sought a restraining order against him, which he violated by continuing to contact her until his arrest in May 2024.

Upon completion of his prison sentence, Ricketts will be subjected to an additional 10 years of probation and will be required to register as a sex offender. The case sheds light on the grim realities of child sexual abuse and the legal system’s efforts to combat such predatory behavior.

This outcome serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by sexual predators and the importance of supporting victims in coming forward. The work of the district attorney’s office in prosecuting these crimes underscores a commitment to justice for the vulnerable.

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