MIDDLETOWN, NY – Eusten Coppin, 27, of Middletown, received a sentence of nine years in prison for rape in the first degree. The ruling came during a hearing last Monday.
Coppin’s sentencing also includes a period of ten years of post-release supervision. The People had initially recommended a twelve-year prison term.
Coppin was required to register as a sex offender under the New York Sex Offender Registration Act due to the nature of his crime. During plea proceedings, Coppin admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse with a victim under the age of thirteen on June 30, 2016.
District Attorney David M. Hoovler expressed gratitude to the City of Middletown Police Department for their investigation which led to Coppin’s arrest. “Those who victimize children deserve the harshest punishment,” Hoovler stated.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Purcell. A criminal charge alone implies an accusation and does not serve as evidence of guilt.
All defendants maintain the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Coppin’s case serves as a reminder of the stern measures the judicial system will take against those who harm children.