KINGSTON, NY – On January 8, 2024, Eric Vanleuven age 39, of Shokan, pled guilty to Attempted Rape in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. The defendant faces 5 to 15 years’ state prison on the Attempted Rape in the First Degree and 3 to 7 years prison on the Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. The sentences can run consecutively.

On October 25, 2022, an Ulster County Grand Jury indicted Vanleuven on one count of Rape in the First Degree for engaging in sexual intercourse with a child less than 13years old between October 11 and October 12, 2020, and two counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree for subjecting a second child less than 11 years old to sexual contact between November 26 and December 23, 2021. The indictment followed a thorough investigation, including forensic interviews of the child victims, led by Investigator April Roberts of the New York State Police, who is assigned to the Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center. 

“Vanleuven sexually assaulted two young children who trusted and loved him. The scars of this type of abuse will last lifetime. The defendant’s selfish, horrific actions have forever changed these two children,” said Special Victims Bureau Chief Jenna Hastings. “I am so proud that they both came forward to report this sexual abuse because it is one of the hardest things to do. The Office of the Ulster County District Attorney takes these cases seriously and will hold sex offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law for their crimes.” 

The case is being prosecuted by Special Victims Bureau Chief Jenna Hastings and General Felonies Bureau Chief Nicholas LaStella. Sentencing is scheduled for April 4, 2024, before the Honorable Bryan Rounds. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing sexual or domestic violence, please call Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program at (845) 340-3443, or 911 if you are in immediate danger.