John P. Volpe, 71, of Alexander, NY, was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of 10 years to life in prison in a child rape/sexual abuse case in Genesee County Court on Wednesday morning. Volpe entered the court with the support of a walker and did not have anything to say to the court before sentencing.
In June of 2024, Volpe was indicted and faced a 13-count indictment in the child rape/sexual abuse case that dates back to 2011 in the town of Alexander.
Volpe pleaded guilty to the most serious charge in the indictment, one count of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, a class A felony on July 24, 2024.
Before sentencing, the victim’s mother was to read a letter from the victim to the court.
Representing Volpe, Public Defender Jamie Welch objected to the mother of the victim speaking in place of the victim before the court. Judge Donald O’Geen, citing section 380.50 of the Criminal Procedure Law, that says another person other than the victim is not allowed to make oral statements in court.
With a courtroom full of support, the victim then read their statement to the court with a counselor and mother by their side.
Speaking about a lifetime of abuse that started at age 5 into their teenage years. The victim spoke of a controlling Volpe who kept tabs on them each and every day, being there for his use. The victim says Volpe used his Native American culture to manipulate them and separate them from their family.
The victim also spoke of the different stages in their life they tried to break free, with Volpe always instilling fear with the idea that the world was a dangerous place.
“The world wasn’t a dangerous place, you were, and it brings me peace that you will never abuse another child again,” the victim told the court.
The victim said not only is Volpe sentenced to life, but they are as well.
DA Kevin Finnell told the court that children rely on adults to know right from wrong, “This is not the victim’s fault, its only John Volpe’s fault. The addiction was a sexual addiction. He knew what he was doing. He was strategic, pre-meditated. He deserves much more than the sentence he will receive today.”
Public Defender Jamie Welch told the court he wasn’t going to ask for mercy in this case.
“This is an older gentleman, and he was sexually abused as a child and didn’t have the support as a child, one of the things that contributed to his behavior,” Welch told the court.
Judge Donald O’Geen fired back at Welch.
“This idea that because you were abused as a child gave you an excuse to act, I can’t think of a more selfish thing for an abused person to abuse another person. I think it’s a slap in the face of the victim. I think it’s a bad excuse. You know how harmful being abused was. I don’t understand how you think they (victims) are pieces of property; they are people with hopes and dreams,” says Judge O’Geen.
DA Kevin Finnell says he is hopeful for the victim in the case.
“The victim is stronger than a lot of other victims in the same circumstance, it’s going to take a long time, a lot of counseling and a lot of support, but they are on their way, and I think character wise they have all the tools necessary to move beyond this and live a very productive life and a happy life, but they are always going to have this trauma for the rest of their life.”
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