394 YEARS – Elderly Victim’s HORROR Uncovered!

A man was sentenced to 394 years for heinous actions against an elderly woman, but his story of manipulation and violence left an indelible mark.

At a Glance

• Ian Kroe, 58, sentenced to 394 years for kidnapping and raping a 74-year-old woman.
• Kroe manipulated the victim into believing she was in danger to control her finances.
• The abuse persisted over two years in a Belmont hotel, causing severe harm to the victim.
• Kroe was convicted in San Mateo County, California, for 33 felony counts.

The Exploitative Tactics of Ian Kroe

In a case that shocked the San Mateo County community, Ian Kroe received a lengthy prison sentence following his conviction for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 74-year-old woman. Kroe, 58, used manipulative tactics to incapacitate his victim, fostering a friendship with her after his mother’s death in 2016. This was a calculated move, designed to create a sense of trust and blindsight her to his malicious intentions.

Kroe’s story began with the victim as a federal journey along the West Coast. Starting in 2016, the two traveled together for four years. During this time, he feigned a protective guise, convincing her that she faced imminent danger in her hometown. Using the venerated role of protector, Kroe assumed control over her finances and later held her captive against her will in a Belmont Hyatt House hotel.

A Terrifying Captivity

Imprisoned for two harrowing years in the hotel, the victim suffered unimaginable cruelty at the hands of Kroe. Alongside the restriction of her freedom, she faced repeated sexual assaults and threats, which were tactics to maintain control and exploit her vulnerability. Her traumatic ordeal only ended when she reached out to a friend in New Mexico in 2022, leading to a successful police intervention.

The physical abuses were numerous, as evidenced upon her rescue. Authorities discovered injuries, such as bruises, a broken finger, and a previous untreated broken ankle. San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe remarked that Kroe displayed traits of a master manipulator, cleverly concealing his lack of major criminal history until that point.

Justice Served

The court’s ruling in February 2025 left no room for leniency given the severity of Kroe’s actions. His conviction encompassed 33 felony counts, including intentional infliction of torture, forcible sodomy, felony threats, and false imprisonment. Despite considerable evidence presented, Kroe maintained his innocence, portraying himself as the true victim—an assertion refuted by the overwhelming testimony and evidence.

“insight in recognizing the evilness of this [man] and the need to lock him up forever.” – District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe.

The case underscores a chilling narrative on manipulation and violence, ultimately concluding with justice served in a court of law. While Ian Kroe remains imprisoned, the survivor now faces the long road of recovery and healing, away from the nightmare of fear and loss she endured.