A Hornell man will spend more than three decades in prison for violently shaking his infant daughter and causing life-altering brain injuries, according to Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker. Robert Taft, 26, was convicted in May of multiple counts of assault and reckless endangerment.
Prosecutors said Taft shook his 3-month-old daughter twice in October 2022, leaving her with a near-fatal injury. He was sentenced Monday to 15 years for assault and 18 years for the other charges, served consecutively, plus 10 years of post-release supervision.
Baker said the punishment, while it can’t undo the child’s suffering, ensures the victim’s family can move forward without Taft. The child continues to experience the lasting effects of the abuse.
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