Man Gets 45 Years in Prison for 2009 Rape

Kudos to Sanford PD and the DA's Office!

Pedro Noveron, a 29 year old man accused of a 2009 rape and robbery behind an area gas station has been sentenced to more than 45 years in prison.

A Sampson County judge sentenced 29-year-old Pedro Noveron to three consecutive sentences totaling more than 45 years, officials said, after Noveron pleaded guilty Sept. 12 to charges of first-degree rape, first-degree sexual offense, first-degree kidnapping, armed robbery, assault on a government official, resisting a public officer and trafficking in cocaine.

In October 2009, Noveron allegedly forced a woman into her vehicle as she left a Kangaroo gas station at 2219 Jefferson Davis Highway. Sanford Police said Noveron robbed and raped the woman after driving the car behind the gas station.

"Sanford PD did an outstanding job on this case" said Sheriff Carter, who's department assisted by arresting the suspect when his vehicle was spotted traveling on U.S. 1 later that same day.

Officials said they also found a half-pound of cocaine in Noveron’s vehicle. Records at the time listed Noveron as a Miami resident.

Stewart’s office credited a number of witnesses and DNA evidence with helping to close the case against Noveron.

Lee Sheriff Tracy Carter commended SPD and the DA's office for their hard work and dedication throughout the proceedings and trial. “I’m glad to hear that he will be in for a long time,” Carter said. “Because someone who will do that is clearly a dangerous individual.”