A New York man convicted of sexually assaulting a minor was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Wednesday.
Evans Espinal, 38, was sentenced by Judge David L. Zagaja to 40 years in prison, suspended after 18 years, followed by 15 years of probation, according to the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice.
On Aug. 8, a Superior Court jury in Meriden found Espinal guilty of two counts of second-degree sexual assault, seven counts of risk of injury to a minor and one count of fourth-degree sexual assault, court records show.
According to court records, Espinal sexually assaulted the 12-year-old victim over a two-year period. During sentencing on Wednesday, Zagaja said it was clear that the victim suffered at hands of Espinal for “a protracted period of time,” the DCJ said.
“You are courageous individuals,” Zagaja said, addressing the victim and her family. “I’m confident that you are going to move on from this.”
Zagaja told Espinal his behavior “was selfish, self-centered and predatory. I hope you have a full understanding as to the destruction and havoc you have caused this young lady.”
State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. thanked the Meriden Police Department for their investigative work in the case, which was prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Nichol Peco, with assistance from investigator Lisa Fernandes and certified legal intern Milo Cortese.
“This office, as shown by the efforts of Assistant State’s Attorney Peco and others, will continue to prosecute and hold accountable those who commit horrific acts against the most vulnerable members of our society, especially our children,” Doyle said in a statement Wednesday.
