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Weston R. Rhodes, 30, was sentenced in Cayuga County Court that morning for second-degree rape for engaging in sexual conduct with a female child younger than 18. He received eight years in state prison from Judge Thomas Leone — five years for the Class D felony and another three for second-degree attempted rape (a Class E felony). That will be followed by 10 years of post-release supervision. 

Before Leone announced the sentence, a victim impact statement from the child was read in the courtroom.

Noting that Rhodes was 29 at the time, the victim said in her statement that he made her believe they had an emotional connection.

"I truly felt like I was in a real relationship," she said. "When in truth, he was a grown man, who manipulated me so bad that I thought he actually cared for me."

The victim went on to say in the statement that Rhodes "lied constantly" to her and would show affection one day while being distant the next. She also said that she now questions herself every time she considers trusting a new adult, and that she will spend the rest of her life "working to heal from the consequences of his actions."

"What he did is gross. That makes me feel gross. I'm not gross. I was abused by a grown 29-year-old man. I hope he feels gross for what he's done, the same way I have to live with it every day," the statement said. "I can't even begin to tell you how long I've felt like I've been suffocating in a fog. I haven't even had time to catch my breath and process this."

After the statement was read, Rhodes' attorney, Rome Canzano, said his client is remorseful. When asked if there was anything he wanted to say, Rhodes expressed regret.

"I'm sorry," he said. "Hopefully there's no long-lasting damage."

Leone also addressed Rhodes before announcing the sentence.

"I hope every day you're sitting in prison, that you think about what you did," he said.

The judge also praised the victim and her statement.

"She is strong. She's going to get through this," he said. "And she's not going to give you a second thought when she does."