RAMAPO MAN CONVICTED IN DOMESTIC SLAVERY CASE

FROM DA’S OFFICE

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that Vikas Jagota (DOB 08/16/76) of 28 Butternut Drive, New City, New York was convicted after a jury trial of all seven counts in the indictment charging him with:

One count of assault in the second degree, a class “D” felony

One count of abortion in the second degree, a class “E” felony

One count of endangering the welfare of child, a class “A” misdemeanor

One count of criminal mischief in the fourth degree, a class “A” misdemeanor

Three counts of assault in the third degree, class “A” misdemeanors

District Attorney Zugibe said, “The victim in this tragic case is to be commended for coming forward and confronting her abuser at trial. She testified with courage and strength on the witness stand. While the physical and emotional scars may be with her for the rest of her life, today’s conviction will hopefully provide her with a small measure of help in overcoming the trauma she endured during several horrific years. The consequences of the defendant’s actions will have a long-lasting and profound impact on both the victim and her young child. A lengthy state prison sentence is more than warranted.”

On May 22, 2012, following the sentencing of the defendant’s brother in Rockland County Court in an unrelated case involving forced labor and physical abuse, the defendant became enraged and assaulted his wife in their home at 28 Butternut Drive, New City.

Jagota repeatedly slapped the victim in the face and forced her wrist through a glass cabinet. As the brutal assault continued, the defendant prevented the victim from calling police by slamming his fist onto her head, causing her to drop the telephone and collapse. Jagota continued to kick the victim as she lay on the floor.

Additionally, the defendant repeatedly slapped the couple’s young child in the face during this violent altercation

On September 22, 2012, Jagota punched his pregnant wife in the abdomen, causing her to miscarry the following day. On December 31, 2012, the defendant again assaulted his wife. She again attempted to call 911, but was stopped by her mother-in-law. The victim later told an acquaintance about the repeated abuse, who contacted Ramapo Police.

Sentencing will be on March 18, 2014. Jagota faces a maximum of seven years in state prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Amanda Doty.