Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen reports that Craig N. Ross, Jr., (dob 3/17/1977) of Ballston Spa, NY was sentenced today by Saratoga County Court Judge James A. Murphy, III to an aggregate of 47 years to life in Saratoga County Court for Kidnapping in the First Degree and Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child. Additionally, a 100-year Order of Protection was issued in favor of the victim.
On February 21, 2024, defendant Craig N. Ross, Jr., appeared before Saratoga County Court Judge James A. Murphy, III with his attorney, Saratoga County Conflict Defender Matthew Maiello, and admitted to kidnapping a child and having engaged in sexual intercourse with the child, who was less than thirteen years old. This plea was taken in recognition of all of the nine charges filed by a Saratoga County Grand Jury in November, 2023.
Judge Murphy imposed a sentence of 25 years to life for the conviction of Kidnapping in the First Degree, a Class “A-I” felony, in violation of New York State Penal Law Section 135.25(1); and 22 years to life for the conviction of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, a Class “A-II” felony, in violation of NYS Penal Law Section 130.96 regarding the crimes defendant Ross committed in the Town of Milton during the period of September 30, 2023 through October 2, 2023. Judge Murphy ordered that these two sentences run consecutively, for an aggregate sentence of 47 years to life.
Before Judge Murphy imposed sentencing, he heard victim impact statements from the parents of the victim. The parents relayed how the defendant’s actions have impacted them and their family. They spoke about the strength and character of their child. Judge Murphy also heard the victim’s statement, read into the Court record by Special Victims Unit Bureau Chief Jennifer L. Buckley. In that statement, the victim conveyed the impact of the defendant’s crimes, but also the strength, wisdom and bravery she has. She concluded her statement, “…With no fear…”
Special Victims Unit Bureau Chief Jennifer L. Buckley headed the prosecution, along with Assistant District Attorney Mary T. Northrup. Buckley set forth on the record before Judge Murphy a lengthy recitation of the facts, procedural history and evidence in support of this conviction. She noted the dedication and commitment of the numerous law enforcement agencies that participated in the various aspects of this case from initial report, to the apprehension of the defendant and return of the victim to their family.
Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen noted, “The plea of guilty by Craig N. Ross, Jr., to Kidnapping in the First Degree and Predatory Sexual Assault against a Child told our community that he was responsible for his heinous and despicable acts last fall. The sentencing today by Judge James A. Murphy, III of Ross to an aggregate of 47 years to life reflects the Court’s determination that Ross’ actions were so vile and wicked that he should face up to life in prison. He will serve decades in prison before any parole consideration is available to him. This result is due to the tremendous efforts of the New York State Police and their numerous law enforcement partners, along with the outpouring of support from the citizens of the community who turned out in so many ways in support of the child and their family.”
DA Heggen also makes note of New York State Civil Rights Law Section 50-b, which provides in pertinent part that “…The identity of any victim of a sexual offense, as defined in article one hundred thirty… of the penal law… shall be confidential.” Therefore, DA Heggen requests that any entity reporting or commenting on this case not use the name or photograph of the victim.
DATED: April 17, 2024