Man Sentenced for Rape, Sodomy, and Domestic Assault and Battery

Published on February 27, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 27, 2026

Man Sentenced for Rape, Forcible Sodomy, and Domestic Assault and Battery

February 13, 2026, Arlington, VA: Dennys Mendoza was sentenced to 15 years of active incarceration for rape, forcible sodomy, and domestic assault and battery third offense in the Arlington Circuit Court. Mr. Mendoza was also sentenced to lifetime supervised probation and will be required to register as a sex offender.

The convictions stem from a violent domestic assault reported on July 23, 2022, and from years of documented physical and sexual abuse against the victim, B.R.

On the date of the assault, law enforcement responded to 1200 S. Courthouse Road after B.R. fled her apartment barefoot and sought help at the building’s front desk, requesting that 911 be called. She reported to police that Mendoza had beaten her, raped her, and forcibly sodomized her.

B.R. was transported to the INOVA Forensic Assessment and Consultation Team (FACT) department, where a sexual assault forensic examination was conducted. Photographs documented bruising, scratch marks, and other injuries. Forensic scientists collected DNA swabs from the victim, and subsequent analysis by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science determined that Mendoza could not be excluded as a contributor to the DNA found. During the examination, B.R. also disclosed that Mendoza had been physically and sexually abusing her for years.

In August 2024, while incarcerated at the Arlington County Detention Center, Mendoza made a recorded phone call to his sister in which he stated that “nothing could happen” to him if B.R. did not appear in court. He expressed that he wanted her to disappear or to come to court and claim she did not remember the events.

Prior to trial, the victim stopped cooperating with the prosecution and did not appear to testify. Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, Nassir Aboreden, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth, proceeded with the challenge of a victimless prosecution, presenting forensic evidence, law enforcement testimony, recorded jail calls, and Mendoza’s history of domestic violence. The jury found Mendoza guilty on all counts.

Mendoza’s record includes prior domestic assault and battery convictions against B.R. in 2019 (Prince William County) and 2022 (Arlington County).

Our office expresses its profound appreciation to Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Nassir Aborden and to Autumn Edmond, Director of Victim Witness, for their exemplary service, steadfast commitment to safeguarding victims, and tireless efforts to ensure that repeat domestic violence offenders are held fully accountable. Sexual violence and domestic abuse are intolerable and will not be permitted in our community.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani‑Tafti stated: “This verdict reflects the strength of forensic evidence, the dedication of our law enforcement and forensic partners, and our office’s commitment to holding violent offenders accountable—even when victims are unable to participate in the prosecution. We hope this outcome provides a measure of safety and justice for the individual who was harmed.”

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