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A Newburgh man will spend over a decade behind bars after admitting to sexually assaulting a helpless victim in Cornwall.
Tyler Sebesta, 26, was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison on Monday (February 9) after previously pleading guilty to Rape in the First Degree in Orange County Court. The sentence also includes 20 years of post-release supervision and registration as a sex offender under New York's Sex Offender Registration Act.
According to court records, Sebesta admitted that on November 11, 2024, he engaged in sexual contact with a person in the Town of Cornwall who was incapable of giving consent because they were physically helpless.
"This defendant's admitted act of sexual assault against a helpless victim stands as a reminder of the pervasive threat of sexual violence in our society," said Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler in a statement. "We stand in solidarity with the survivor and remain committed to the pursuit of justice."
The investigation that led to Sebesta's arrest was conducted by the Town of Cornwall Police Department with assistance from the Citrus County (Florida) Sheriff's Office and the Orange County District Attorney's Office Digital Forensics Unit.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Purcell prosecuted the case, which has now concluded with Sebesta beginning his prison term in the New York State Department of Corrections.
The conviction is part of ongoing efforts by the Orange County District Attorney's Office to pursue perpetrators of sexual violence in the community. Hoovler emphasized that it was "through the diligent efforts of the police, working with the victim and our law enforcement partners, that these crimes were uncovered and resulted in a righteous conviction."