Mass. man found guilty of luring neighbor to his home in an attempt to rape her

A Level 3 sex offender from Taunton was found guilty on multiple charges last week after prosecutors say he lured a neighbor to his home in August 2023 in an attempt to rape her.

In Fall River Superior Court on Friday, Patrick Pesante, 49, was convicted of assault with intent to rape, indecent assault and battery on a person over 14, and kidnapping, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. He was sentenced to 13 to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised probation.

On Aug. 22, 2023, Pesante lured his 45-year-old female neighbor to his home, “using a ruse that he needed assistance booking a hotel room because his mother had died,” the DA’s office says.

Once the neighbor reached the threshold of his residence, Pesante placed her in a bearhug, grabbed her arms, and pulled at her shirt, prosecutors say. The victim asked Pesante to release her, but he refused.

The victim fell to the ground during an ensuing struggle and attempted to leave out a screen door. Pesante then pulled her back into the home and attempted to take off her shorts, according to prosecutors.

Hearing the victim’s screams for help, her 17-year-old daughter and two other neighbors approached the apartment, and Pesante released the victim after seeing one of the neighbors, the DA’s office says.

When police arrived at the scene, Pesante exited his residence and was heavily sweating, exhibiting odd behavior, and saying the victim was a monster, authorities say.

Police administered Narcan to Pesante and transported him to a local hospital where he tested positive for alcohol and cocaine in his system.

“The defendant is a sexual predator who was a Level 3 Sex Offender when he lured the victim to his apartment and tried to rape her,” Bristol District Attorney Tom Quinn said in a statement. “The defendant has served prior state prison sentences for similar conduct and does not belong out in society where he can attempt to harm other unsuspecting victims.”