Meriden Man, 77, Sentenced In Sexual Assault Of Minors: Officials

MERIDEN, CT — A Meriden man has been sentenced to eight years in prison in connection with the sexual assault of two minors, according to officials.

Robert Bendel, 77, was sentenced Wednesday by Superior Court Judge Thomas O’Keefe to 20 years suspended after eight years served, followed by 10 years of probation, according to a news release.

Bendel pleaded guilty to two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and two counts of risk of injury to a minor.

In addition to the sentence, Bendel is required to register as a sex offender, maintain no contact with minors and obey two standing criminal protective orders.

Officials said there were two victims in the case. One victim was under 10 years old when the incidents occurred and the other was under 16, according to officials.

“Judge O'Keefe emphasized in his sentencing that the victims were innocent and did nothing wrong,” officials wrote in the news release. “He said that this affected not only the victims but their families as well. Judge O'Keefe said anyone who hears of this sentence should think twice before engaging in this conduct. And that if it weren't for the defendant's advanced age and medical conditions his sentence would have been double.”