Hopkins Sentenced to 32 Years to Life for Abuse of a Child
A Saratoga County man has been sentenced to 32 years to life in prison for sexual abuse of a child.
Brian Hopkins received the maximum sentence in after being convicted in February of predatory sexual assault of a child and 2nd degree course of sexual conduct against a child.
The maximum sentence for the first charge is 25 years to life in prison while the max sentence for the second charge is seven years in prison followed by up to 15 years supervised release.
Hopkins received an enhanced sentence due to a 2000 conviction for physically assaulting a one-year-old child.
“At its simplest, this case is about a man who sexually abused a young boy from the age of six through 13 in Saratoga County,” prosecutors said during the sentencing hearing.
In his sentencing, Judge James Davis followed the recommendation of the prosecutor to have the sentences run consecutively. In addition, orders of protection were issued preventing contact between Hopkins and protected individuals in the case.
“It’s unconscionable, and that’s why I sentenced you to the maximum penalty available under the law,” Davis
During the sentencing hearing, the victim gave a statement advocating for the maximum sentence so that Hopkins would be prevented from abusing anyone else. Hopkins did not speak at the sentencing hearing.
The earliest Hopkins can be released is 2058, when he will be around 77 years old.
After the hearing, Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby praised the decision.
“This defendant is a pedophile who deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison for the horrific abuse he inflicted on a child,” said District Attorney Eby. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that Saratoga County will relentlessly pursue justice for child victims and hold predators fully accountable.”
As for the victim, Eby praised his courage in coming forward.
“The victim just showed a remarkable strength in not only protecting this community, but protected children from this pedophile,” Eby said.