A Suffolk County man, whose identity is being withheld by the DA's office to protect the victim, was handed a 50-year prison sentence in Suffolk County Court on Friday, June 2.
The sentencing came after his conviction by a jury in April 2023 on several charges, including first-degree rape. Prosecutors revealed that the defendant initiated sexual abuse against the victim when she was just 10 years old, and the abuse persisted until the child reached 11.
During subsequent conversations, the defendant made self-incriminating statements that were secretly recorded by the victim. These recordings were then submitted to Suffolk County Police when the girl bravely came forward, and they were later played for the jury during the trial.
In a statement, Suffolk County DA Raymond Tierney praised the victim's heroic efforts to bring her abuser to justice, emphasizing that no child should ever endure such sexual abuse. He also asserted that the defendant would spend decades isolated in a prison cell, far removed from the victim and the residents of Suffolk County.
On April 5, 2023, the man was found guilty of the following charges:
- First-degree rape (violent felony)
- First-degree criminal sexual act (violent felony)
- Endangering the welfare of a child (misdemeanor)
In addition to his lengthy incarceration, the defendant will be subjected to 20 years of post-release supervision.