Predator Held Accountable After Months of Fear
A New York man received a hefty sentence on Wednesday for a crime that shattered the peace of a small community. Craig N. Ross Jr., 47, was sentenced to 47 years to life in prison for the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 9-year-old girl last September.
Abduction Sparks Frantic Search
The ordeal began on September 30th, 2023, when the young girl, who was riding her bike with friends at a campground near her home in Moreau Lake State Park, vanished during what was supposed to be a quick solo ride. The disappearance triggered a frantic 48-hour search involving over 100 people.
Tip Leads to Discovery and Arrest
A glimmer of hope emerged when law enforcement officers, stationed near the girl’s home, observed someone placing a ransom note in the family’s mailbox. Fingerprints found on the note led authorities to Ross, whose prior drunk driving arrest in 1999 placed him in a fingerprint database. This crucial piece of evidence led to a SWAT team raid on Ross’s camper where the missing child was thankfully found hidden inside a cabinet.
Guilty Plea and Lengthy Sentence
Ross, who was initially scheduled for a trial this month, opted to plead guilty to the charges in February 2024. At his sentencing hearing, Judge James A. Murphy III imposed a hefty sentence designed to ensure Ross spends a significant portion of his life behind bars. The sentence includes a minimum of 25 years to life in prison for the kidnapping charge and a consecutive sentence of 22 years to life for predatory sexual assault of a child. Additionally, a protective order was issued, barring Ross from ever contacting his victim directly or through any form of mail.
