TAUNTON, Mass. (WPRI) — A Taunton man has been convicted of assaulting and attempting to kidnap his neighbor during an incident that happened two years ago, according to Bristol Count District Attorney Thomas Quinn III.

Prosecutors said Patrick Pesante, 49, tricked his 45-year-old female neighbor into coming to his apartment on Aug. 22, 2023, by lying that he needed help booking a hotel room because his mother died.

Once the woman arrived outside his door, Pesante wrapped his arms around her tightly, grabbed her arms and pulled at her shirt. Prosecutors said the victim begged him to release her, but the pleas were unsuccessful. She reportedly fell to the ground and tried to escape through a screen door, but Pesante pulled her back in and attempted to pull her shorts off.

When the woman

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