Max Sentence For Mount Vernon Baseball Coach Who Sexually Abused Teen

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A Hudson Valley youth baseball coach was given the maximum sentence for sexually abusing a 16-year-old victim.

Robert Pope, a 31-year-old Mount Vernon resident who coached youth baseball across the Hudson Valley, was sentenced on Thursday to four years in state prison for engaging in sexual activity with the teen, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced today.

"This defendant was someone who was entrusted to care and mentor young people, and he egregiously violated the trust of the victim, the victim’s family and the entire community," Rocah said. "Today’s sentencing serves as notice that there will be no sanctuary in Westchester for anyone who preys upon minors or children - our most vulnerable of victims. Our office is committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse while working to ensure abusers are fully held accountable."

In March, Pope entered a guilty plea to a felony criminal sexual act, in Westchester County Court. He will also be subject to 10 years of post-release supervision and will be required to register as a sex offender.

See Also:

• FBI: Youth Baseball Coach Facing Federal Sex Abuse Charges
• Youth Coach Arrested For Sexual Contact With Child: Police

On April 11, 2021, at approximately 2:13 p.m., Pope sent his victim text messages and "expressed his desire to see the victim." Pope then traveled to the victim’s location, where he subjected his victim to sexual activity.

Following Pope's arrest by the Mount Vernon Police Department on June 15, 2021, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, conducted an investigation into potential additional victims.

As a result of that investigation, Pope is currently facing additional federal charges.

The case was prosecuted by Child Abuse Bureau Chief Christine Hatfield and Assistant District Attorney Marissa Morra-Wynn.

The public is encouraged to report any tips or incidents of sexual assault or child abuse to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office at 914-995-TIPS (8477). Language assistance is available.