Inset: Rahson Govantes (San Bernardino County Sheriff). Background: Sephora at The Shoppes at Chino Hills in California (Google Maps).

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office has charged Govantes with multiple serious offenses, including aggravated mayhem, torture, kidnapping, and assault with a deadly weapon. These allegations were made public through a press release issued by the sheriff’s office.

The investigation was initiated on a Saturday afternoon at approximately 2:43 p.m. when officers responded to a report of suspicious individuals loitering outside a Sephora at The Shoppes at Chino Hills. Upon arrival, law enforcement took both Govantes and the woman into custody, as stated in the press release.

During the course of their investigation, deputies discovered numerous fraudulent items, including identification cards, social security cards, and debit cards, according to the official statement.

The victim, a 51-year-old woman, reportedly informed the deputies that she had been kidnapped and compelled to accompany Govantes, who is described as “a 28-year-old resident of New York,” along with an “unidentified Black female adult” across several states.

The 51-year-old victim reportedly told deputies that she “was kidnapped and forced to travel across the country” with Govantes, described as “a 28-year-old resident of New York,” and an “unidentified Black female adult.”

The purpose of the alleged kidnapping, the victim told deputies, was “to commit fraud throughout the United States to repay debts she owed.”

“During their travels, Govantes and the female suspect tortured and abused the victim by burning her with cigarettes and a curling iron,” the press release said.

The female suspect has not been publicly identified. Cops, who released Govantes’ photo to the public, believe Govantes also may have victimized other women.

Govantes remains in custody at the San Bernardino County Jail without bond.