Man Sentenced For Sexual Assault Of Minor In Meriden

MERIDEN, CT — A New York man has been sentenced to serve 18 years in prison for the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in Meriden, according to officials.

Evans Espinal, 38, was sentenced Wednesday by Superior Court Judge David L. Zagaja to 40 years in prison, suspended after 18 years served, followed by 15 years of probation, New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney John P. Doyle Jr. announced.

A Superior Court jury in Meriden found Espinal guilty on Aug. 8 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.

Espinal was apprehended on Dec. 4, 2022 in New Jersey, and was extradited back to Connecticut on Dec. 12, 2022. He was arrested in connection with an investigation that was launched in 2021, Meriden police said at the time.

Evidence at trial showed Espinal sexually assaulted the 12-year-old victim over a two-year period, according to a news release from the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice.

At Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, Zagaja indicated that it was clear that the victim suffered at the hands of the defendant for a protracted period of time, according to the news release.

Zagaja addressed the victim and her family directly, saying, “You are courageous individuals. I'm confident that you are going to move on from this."

Zagaja told Espinal that his behavior “was selfish, self-centered and predatory. I hope you have a full understanding as to the destruction and havoc you have caused this young lady."

Doyle thanked the Meriden Police Department for their investigative work in the case, which was prosecuted by Senior Assistant State's Attorney Nichol Peco, with assistance from Investigator Lisa Fernandes and Certified Legal Intern Milo Cortese.

“This office, as shown by the efforts of Assistant State's Attorney Peco and others, will continue to prosecute and hold accountable those who commit horrific acts against the most vulnerable members of our society, especially our children,” Doyle said.