A man convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl has been jailed for 18 years

NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) – A man convicted of sexually assaulting a girl over a two-year period learned his fate.

Evans Espinal, 38, of New York, was sentenced to 40 years in prison, suspended after 18 years served, followed by 15 years of probation.

New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. announced the sentence Wednesday.

A Superior Court jury in Meriden found Espinal guilty on August 8, 2024, 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.

Evidence at the trial showed that the suspect sexually abused the 12-year-old victim over a period of two years.

During the hearing on Wednesday, the judge indicated that it was clear that the victim had suffered from the defendant for a long time. He spoke directly to the victim and her family.

“You are courageous individuals,” the judge said. “I have confidence that you will make progress with this.”

He told the defendant that his behavior was “selfish, self-centered and predatory. I hope you fully understand the destruction and devastation you have caused to this young lady.”

Doyle said he was grateful to Meriden police for their investigative work in the case.

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