LIVINGSTON COUNTY — One of the most disturbing sexual assault cases involving a minor nears a conclusion with the sentencing of Matthew Symonds, 41, who made a plea deal with the Livingston County District Attorney’s Office.
Symonds pled guilty to criminal sexual act 3rd, sparing the victim the trauma of having to testify in a second trial after his brother, Frederick Symonds Jr., 54, last week was found guilty of a criminal sex act 3rd and other sexual charges by a jury trial. Frederick is scheduled to be sentenced early next year where he is facing a potential sentence of up to 8 years.
“I have considered the last few years of my life torture and trauma,” said the victim, who was 16 years at the time of the repeated incidents. “I asked myself what did I do to be treated like this?”
The courageous victim stated she has made tremendous strides in her life since the incident and vowed to put the past behind her as she looked forward to a bright future.
“Any sex act against a child is despicable,” said Greg McCaffrey, Livingston County D.A. during sentencing. “It’s a disgusting and very selfish act.”
Additionally, Symonds will have an order of protection with the victim for 8 years upon his release.
“I’m sorry for what I have done,” said Symonds who would become too emotional to finish his second sentence. “No words can possibly…”