Victor Ortiz, a 47-year-old Philadelphia resident, has been sentenced to seven years in prison following his conviction for a public chemical attack on his ex-girlfriend. This decision was announced by United States Attorney David Metcalf. The sentence, handed down by District Court Judge R. Barclay Surrick, includes three years of supervised release and $3,300 in restitution.
Ortiz was found guilty after a jury trial last September. The trial revealed that on May 4, 2022, he pursued his former partner to her office in Philadelphia. Before she could enter the building, Ortiz attacked her with soda ash, resulting in temporary blindness in her left eye and permanent scarring.
Further investigations uncovered a GPS device planted by Ortiz in the victim's vehicle, used to track her movements. After the initial device was found, he was caught on surveillance footage attempting to plant another.
Ortiz's criminal behavior is not new. In 2005, he was convicted in Delaware County for harassing his ex-wife. In 2016, an arbitrator determined that he stalked another previous partner using a GPS device.
"Victor Ortiz has a troubling pattern of refusing to move on when his relationships end," stated U.S. Attorney Metcalf. He added that the sentence provides "some measure of justice for the innocent woman he was so determined to hurt."
Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens of HSI Philadelphia condemned Ortiz's actions, affirming HSI's dedication to "protecting individuals from predators and ensuring justice is served."
The investigation, conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Philadelphia Police Department, is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Miller and Angella Middleton.