Man Pleads Guilty in First Degree Rape After International Capture

Dominic Mamaat, 46, of New Windsor entered a guilty plea on Nov. 14, 2025 in Orange County Court to Rape in the First Degree, the Orange County District Attorney announced in a Nov. 17 posting. The DA said the People will recommend a 20 year prison sentence followed by 20 years of post release supervision when Mamaat is sentenced on Feb. 4, 2026. Prosecutors say Mamaat admitted the underlying act occurred in May 2020.

According to the District Attorney, Mamaat fled the jurisdiction in October 2020. Investigators located and returned him from the Philippines in August 2025 with assistance from federal partners. The DA highlighted cooperation among local, federal and international law enforcement agencies in bringing Mamaat back to face charges. The case is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Milza.

For Orange County residents the case is notable for several reasons. The guilty plea brings a degree of finality to a matter dating to 2020, offering potential closure for the victim and affected families. The recommended lengthy prison term and extended period of post release supervision reflect the seriousness with which the local prosecutor treats violent sexual offenses, and signal a local emphasis on accountability and community safety.

The international dimension of the capture points to the practical realities of cross border crime and the mechanisms that enable U.S. authorities to pursue suspects who leave the country. While the DA statement did not list specific federal or international agencies involved, the August 2025 return from the Philippines demonstrates how cooperation across jurisdictions can be decisive in long running investigations. For a community with many residents who maintain global ties, the episode underscores the interconnection between local safety and international law enforcement networks.

Legal process continues with the scheduled sentencing in February. The DA site also includes the standard caveat that criminal charges are allegations and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, a reminder of procedural safeguards even as a guilty plea was entered. Local officials and law enforcement have framed the case as part of the office's broader commitment to pursuing violent sexual offenders.

As the case moves toward sentencing, Orange County residents can expect local court resources to be engaged in handling victim services and court proceedings. The matter also serves as a reminder of the complex paths by which serious crimes are investigated and prosecuted, and of the role of partnerships across agencies and borders in delivering justice.