NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. — A Town of Tonawanda man convicted of sexually abusing a 9-year-old child over a two-year period has been sentenced to 23 years to life in state prison, according to the North Tonawanda Police Department.
Carl R. Cederman was sentenced Thursday in Niagara County Court after a jury convicted him earlier this year of predatory sexual assault of a child, a class A-II felony, police said.
Investigators said the abuse investigation began in July 2024 when the North Tonawanda Police Department’s Special Victims Unit received allegations involving the child victim.
Detectives determined Cederman sexually abused the victim repeatedly over the course of two years, according to the department.
Jury Conviction Led to Life Sentence
Cederman was arrested in July 2024 by North Tonawanda detectives following the investigation.
After a jury trial in Niagara County Court, he was convicted in January 2026 of predatory sexual assault of a child.
On Thursday, Judge Caroline Wojtaszek sentenced Cederman to 23 years to life in prison.
The court also issued a 100-year order of protection on behalf of the victim.
Key Points
• Carl R. Cederman was sentenced to 23 years to life for predatory sexual assault of a child
• North Tonawanda detectives said the abuse involved a 9-year-old victim over two years
• A Niagara County judge also issued a 100-year order of protection for the victim
Detectives Praised Victim’s Courage
Captain Michelle Day, one of the lead detectives assigned to the case, said the sentence delivered accountability even though the trauma endured by the victim cannot be undone.
“Although nothing can repair the trauma inflicted on the victim in this case, we are glad justice was served and that the defendant will spend an extended period of time behind bars,” Day said in a statement released by police.
She also commended the child victim for coming forward during the investigation.
The North Tonawanda Police Department thanked the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office and the Niagara County Child Advocacy Center for assisting with the prosecution and investigation.
Cederman will serve his sentence in New York state prison.
North Tonawanda Police Department, child sexual assault conviction, Niagara County court