A Berne man who pleaded guilty to felony sexual assault charges against a child has been sentenced to 25 year to life, according to the Albany County District Attorney’s Office.
In March, 23-year-old Adam Croote pleaded guilty to one count of predatory sexual assault against a child, a felony. The man was sentenced to 25 year to life on Friday, April 27 in front of members of the girl’s family , said Albany County District Attorney David Soares.
“The sentence handed down today should reflect our intolerance for the abuse of children in Albany County,” said Soares in a news release. “In this instance we saw the effects of victimization going untreated resulting in the repeat of a violent act. Albany County has a robust array of resources for victims of violence. I would strongly encourage anyone who needs help to contact law enforcement or one of the victim assistance agencies available in Albany County.”
Croote was arrested on June 20, 2011, on charges of raping a 10-year-old girl he was babysitting for a family friend. He was also accused of attempted murder, according to police.
“During the course of assault, he began strangling her because the girl was screaming. He tried to snap her neck twice violently,” said Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple in a previous interview.
Police said Croote’s victim continued to fight back during the attack and he fled the scene when it was over. Croote was already a level 2 sex offender (out of three levels) stemming from a Massachusetts conviction for forcible sexual contact. That case did not involve a minor, according to police.
