Indian-origin man sentenced to 46 years in jail for sex crimes against five women

An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to a 46-year prison term in the US state of New Jersey for sex-related crimes against five women in 2012.

Hiten Patel, 36, was convicted in February of 22 criminal charges, including multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault and attempted sexual assault in Atlantic County, the prosecutor's office said. Several women described attacks by Patel at a two-week trial in Mays Landing.

According to the prosecutor's office, Patel contended the women were prostitutes who consented to his actions, a report in the Cherry Hill Courier Post said.

One victim, a 21-year-old from Camden County, said Patel claimed to be an undercover detective, showed a badge and ordered her into a van where she was sexually assaulted at gunpoint. 

Police arrested Patel in August 2012 after the woman was able to escape from the van. The gun turned out to be an imitation, officials said.