Man convicted of sexually assaulting 12-year-old girl gets 18 years in prison

NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) – A man convicted of sexually assaulting a girl for two years learned his fate.

Evans Espinal, 38, of New York, was sentenced to 40 years in prison, suspended after 18 years in prison, followed by 15 years of probation.

New Haven Judicial District Attorney John P. Doyle Jr. announced the verdict Wednesday.

A Superior Court jury in Meriden found Espinal guilty on August 8, 2024, of two counts of second-degree sexual assault, seven counts of risk of injury to a minor and one count of fourth-degree sexual assault.

Evidence at trial showed that the defendant sexually abused the 12-year-old victim over a two-year period.

When announcing the verdict on Wednesday, the judge pointed out that it was clear that the victim had suffered at the hands of the defendant for a long period of time. He addressed the victim and her family directly.

“You are brave people,” the judge said. “I am confident you will continue here.”

He told the defendant his behavior was “selfish, self-centered and predatory. I hope you fully understand the destruction and chaos you have caused this young lady.”

Doyle said he is grateful to the Meriden Police Department for their investigative work in this case.

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