Long Island man sentenced to 15 years for attempting to rape his 9-year-old niece, announces district attorney.

A 33-year-old Flanders man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to sexually assault his 9-year-old niece, as announced by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney on Tuesday.

To safeguard the child's identity, the District Attorney's Office has chosen not to disclose the defendant's name in this case.

Following a jury's verdict of guilt for first-degree attempted rape, the man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, along with an additional 15 years of post-release supervision, as announced by District Attorney Ray Tierney. The sexual abuse occurred while the girl's parents were away from the family home, highlighting the severity of the crime.

During the trial, evidence revealed that on December 19, 2021, the child was left sleeping at home as her parents attended to the family dog's veterinary visit, stated District Attorney Ray Tierney. The defendant, her uncle, occupied a room within the same house where the child and her family resided, setting the backdrop for the subsequent events.

In the absence of the girl's parents, the defendant entered the child's room and propositioned her with a back scratch, according to Tierney. Upon her agreement, he took her to his bedroom. However, instead of fulfilling the innocent request, he proceeded to sexually abuse her, as outlined by the District Attorney.

Upon the return of the child's parents to their home shortly thereafter, she courageously disclosed the defendant's actions to them, according to the District Attorney. In response, the parents took swift and responsible action by bringing her to Peconic Bay Medical Center. Here, a sexual assault forensic examination was conducted, during which her undergarments were collected and tested.

The results of the examination revealed the presence of the defendant's DNA, providing crucial forensic evidence in support of the child's account, as outlined by Tierney. This thorough and immediate response by both the child and her parents played a pivotal role in the subsequent legal proceedings.

Following the investigation, the Southampton Police Department arrested the defendant, as reported by the District Attorney. Subsequently, on January 23, after a jury trial conducted before Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei, the defendant was found guilty on several charges, detailed by Tierney as first-degree attempted rape (a Class C violent felony), first-degree sexual abuse (a Class D violent felony), and endangering the welfare of a child (a misdemeanor). This verdict reflects the serious nature of the offenses committed by the defendant.

In response to today's sentencing, District Attorney Ray Tierney remarked, "Today’s sentence means justice for a family whose trust was violated by the defendant." This statement underscores the profound impact of the defendant's actions on the victim and her family, emphasizing the importance of the legal system in restoring a sense of justice.

Tierney further asserted, "Suffolk County is safer with this sexual predator removed from our community." This highlights the critical role that the justice system plays in safeguarding the community against individuals who pose a threat, emphasizing the significance of removing such offenders to ensure the well-being and security of residents.

Additionally, Tierney confirmed that the defendant, upon release from prison, will be required to register as a sex offender. This post-release supervision underscores a commitment to ongoing community protection, acknowledging the potential risks posed by individuals with a history of sexual offenses. The comprehensive approach taken by the district attorney serves to address both the immediate consequences of the crime and the long-term safety concerns of the community.

Attorney Christian Killoran, who represented the defendant, expressed disappointment in the verdict, stating, "We are obviously disappointed in the verdict." Throughout the legal proceedings, the defendant consistently maintained his innocence since the time of being charged. Killoran argued that the evidence presented supported the defendant's innocence, offering sufficient grounds for reasonable doubt. Despite the unfavorable outcome, Killoran conveyed a hopeful message, saying, "In any event, we hope that the families affected can begin to heal from the fissures that have occurred since the charges were filed." This acknowledgment reflects a compassionate recognition of the broader impact on the affected families and a wish for their eventual healing in the aftermath of the legal proceedings.

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