DA Hoovler Announces Prison Sentence in
Child Sex Crimes Case

Circleville Man Sentenced to 15 Years to Life in State Prison for Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on December 16, 2021, Robert Youngs, age 36, of Circleville, was sentenced by Orange County Court Judge William L. DeProspo to fifteen years to life in state prison in connection with sex crimes he committed a child. On July 15, 2021,Youngs had pleaded guilty to felony charges of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance, Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, and Possessing a Sexual Performance of a Child.

At the time that Youngs pleaded guilty, he admitted that between June 1, 2014 and April 11, 2015 he engaged in two or more acts of sexual contact with a child less than thirteen years old. He also admitted possessing a computer file of a child of less than sixteen years of age engaging in a sexual performance, directing or promoting a performance of a child less than seventeen years of age that included sexual contact, and inducing a child less than seventeen years of age to engage in a sexual performance, which he photographed.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the New York State Police and the Orange County Child Abuse Task Force for their investigation and the arrest of Youngs. District Attorney Hoovler also thanked the Orange County Child Advocacy Center who worked with prosecutors and police on the case.

On April 23, 2021, the Orange County Child Advocacy Center opened. Child advocacy centers bring child protective services, law enforcement, medical providers, advocacy, and therapeutic resources together when allegations of child abuse or maltreatment are made to make the investigation process less traumatic for children.

“Society must protect itself from any offender who targets children for sexual abuse,” said District Attorney David Hoovler. “Even fifteen years from now, the Parole Board should be wary of any decision that might lead to the release of this defendant. Children are the most innocent of victims and it is hard to comprehend how someone could even think of sexually abusing a child for sexual gratification or entertainment, let alone actually commit those heinous acts. We can only hope that there are no long-lasting physical effects which will be suffered by the victims in this case. I am grateful to the New York State Police and the Orange County Child Abuse Task Force for their investigation and the arrest of Youngs. My Office will continue to work with all our law enforcement partners, and Orange County Child Advocacy Center, in protecting children and will continue to seek severe punishment for all who commit violent crimes against defenseless children.”

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jessica Dovico and Assistant District Attorney Alexis Gregory.