‘Nothing more than a monster.’ Man sentenced to 10 years for sexually abusing child
James Valentine previously pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree sexual assault of a child and one count of second-degree sexual assault of a child.
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A Hudson Valley man is headed to a state prison for 10 years because of the bravery of his victim to come forward about abuse he endured year ago when he was a child.
"This is the face I want you to remember, you [expletive] monster," the victim's mother said to 57-year-old James Valentine Monday in her victim impact statement at Valentine's sentencing in Rockland County Court.
Valentine previously pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree sexual assault of a child and one count of second-degree sexual assault of a child.
The abuse happened at Valentine's home in Valley Cottage from 2011 to 2015.
"While you serve out your sentence, I wish [you] the same fear you set upon those little boys," the victim's mother said. "I hope you learn to sleep with one eye open. You are nothing more than a monster and now a registered pedophile."
In police reports, the victim -- who was between the ages of 8 and 12 at the time of the abuse -- told police Valentine sexually abused him several times over several years.
“This is a person who allowed marijuana into his home, allowed alcohol into his home, and gave money to these children in exchange for twisted sexual games," the prosecutor said.
"I am ashamed of my behavior and my actions," Valentine said just before he was sentenced, "and I take full responsibility for all of this."
The abuse happened just before Valentine moved in 2015 to Orange County where he is facing more charges.
He is accused of inappropriately touching children at his home in Cornwall.
The family of the Rockland victim is disappointed with Valentine's 10-year sentence.
"It's incredible how he only gets 10 years," the victim's mother said after the hearing. "I think he deserved a lifetime in prison, but here we are."
Investigators are still seeking out other potential victims around the country.
State police said there could be more victims in New York State as well as in Tennessee and California, both places where Valentine lived while he was in the Navy.
