FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: MAY 30, 2012
RE: PRESS RELEASE -DISTRICT ATTORNEY D. HOLLEY CARNRIGHT ANNOUNCES: NEW PALTZ MAN RECEIVES MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TWO CHILDREN
Chad Olson, 35, of 527 N. Ohioville Road in New Paltz was sentenced Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in Ulster County to the maximum sentence allowed by law for the crimes of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the Second Degree, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Olson was found guilty by a jury of seven woman and five men following a four day trial in Ulster County Court on Friday, March 30, 2012. Ulster County Court Judge, Hon Donald A. Williams, sentenced the defendant to seven years in state prison to be followed by ten years post release supervision on each of the two felony counts and ordered that those sentences run consecutively. Sentences for the misdemeanor Endangering charges can not run consecutively by operation of law.
Both victims and four additional family members of those victims spoke at the sentencing. Their emotional statements recounted the long lasting effects of the sexual abuse. The defendant maintained his claims of innocence which the prosecution argued reflected his failure to take responsibility for his actions and his complete lack of remorse for his acts.
One victim was under the age thirteen during the course of sexual conduct which occurred between January of 2005 and August of 2008 at residences in both Rosendale and Esopus. The second victim was under the age of eleven at the time of the sexual abuse which occurred at a residence off Ruby Road in Sawkill between November of 2008 and January of 2009. At trial, the jury also heard expert testimony from forensic psychologists put forth by both the prosecution and the defense. The defendant testified in his own behalf and denied any inappropriate contact with the children. The jury rendered a verdict of guilty to each and every charge given to them for consideration.
District Attorney Carnright praised the child victims for coming forward to report the abuse and their bravery in testifying before their abuser in open court. “The statistics are clear that only a fraction of child sexual abuse victims ever come forward.” Carnright lauded the New York State Police for their investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Special Victims Bureau Chief Katherine Van Loan. The defendant is represented by Edward Bruno, Esq. of Pine Bush.
