A Cayuga County man will spend nearly two decades in state prison after pleading guilty in a sexual assault case involving children.
Donald Clarke, 48, of Auburn was sentenced to 18 years in prison followed by 20 years of post-release supervision after admitting to multiple felony sex crimes, according to the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors said Clarke pleaded guilty to one count of course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree, a class B felony, and one count of rape in the second degree, a class D felony, before County Court Judge Thomas G. Leone.
Clarke admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse with two victims who were both under the age of 15.
After hearing statements from the victims, the court imposed the prison sentence.
District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci said the sentence reflects both accountability and the strength shown by the survivors.
“We hope that this conviction provides the victims and family with a sense of justice and closure and allows each survivor the opportunity to continue to heal,” Antonacci said. “Each survivor has shown immense strength, character and resilience in fighting against their abuser. Due to their bravery, Clarke will spend significant time in prison, making the community safer.”
The investigation was handled by the Auburn Police Department. Assistant District Attorney Heather DeStefano prosecuted the case.
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