HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WETM)- Andrew Daugherty, has plead guilty and will be sentenced to an aggregate term of 40 to life in prison, according to the Yates County District Attorney, Tod Casella.

The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations (NYSP BCI) based in Horseheads says it started an investigation into Daugherty of Dundee, New York, on October 13, 2022. The indictment accuses Daugherty of raping a girl who was under 13-years-old while threatening her with a rifle.

According to the D.A., he plead guilty to Predatory Sexual Assault (A-ll Felony), Predatory Sexual Assault against a Child (A-11 Felony), Sex Trafficking of a Child (B Felony), and Compelling Prostitution (B Felony).

“This swift outcome, which ensures Daugherty will never again have contact with or prey on a
vulnerable child,” Casella said, “and sends a clear message to anyone who thinks they can get away with such conduct”.

18 people have been indicted on sex trafficking and rape charges involving the same minor. According to prosecutors, the abuse lasted for seven years. In a statement, District Attorney Todd Casella said, “the victim was removed from an extremely unsafe environment.” According to New York State Police, Daugherty and 17 others abused the same victim over the span of seven years, at various locations in Yates County and the Southern Tier.

A press release from the D.A.’s office said that there are still 10 cases pending in this sex trafficking case. Two are scheduled for sentencing, one was returned to a local court without enough evidence for a felony charge, and one who was recently charged will be part of discussions regarding next steps. Another person is set to enter a plea deal later this month.

Casella’s release also said the People advocated for bail in all of these cases, but the court is required to follow New York’s bail laws and cannot consider whether the defendants are a risk to the public or what their potential sentences will be.