A Farmingville man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the violent assault and rape of his estranged wife. The sentencing follows a guilty plea entered in September 2024, where the defendant admitted to multiple charges including rape, strangulation, and other related offenses stemming from an incident in November 2022.
District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney commended the victim's bravery, stating, "This survivor showed tremendous courage in coming forward to hold the defendant accountable for his vile acts." He encouraged other victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to report such crimes.
The investigation revealed that on November 13, 2022, while undergoing a divorce but still living together in separate areas of their home, the defendant attacked his wife after breaking down a bathroom door. He dragged her into his bedroom, strangled her until she lost consciousness, and continued to beat and sexually assault her over three hours. The defendant attempted to prevent her from contacting authorities by hiding her phone and leaving apology notes for their children.
After fleeing the scene, the victim managed to call for help. She was hospitalized for a forensic examination and treatment. Law enforcement used k-9 and aviation units to locate the defendant in Sagaponack. Upon arrest by Southampton Town Police Department officers, he resisted and attempted to seize an officer's gun before being subdued.
Parts of the attack were captured on home surveillance footage. On September 25, 2024, he pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis to numerous charges including two counts of Rape in the First Degree and five counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree among others.
Justice Wilutis handed down an 18-year prison sentence with an additional 18 years of post-release supervision on November 18, 2024. The defendant was represented by attorney Christopher Gioe.