(Bridgeport, CT) – Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Bridgeport, today announced that on December 4, 2024, the Honorable Robin Pavia sentenced Demetrius Hunter, age 41, of Bridgeport, to 17 years in prison, suspended after 12 years to serve, followed by 30 years of probation, for sexually assaulting a 34-year-old woman.
After two days of evidence and one day of deliberations, a Superior Court jury in Bridgeport on September 27, 2024 found Hunter guilty of one count of Sexual Assault in the First Degree in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-70(a)(1), one count of Unlawful Restraint in the First Degree in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-95 and one count of Assault in the Third Degree in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53-61(a)(1).
According to evidence introduced at trial, the defendant attacked the victim as she was walking on a sidewalk in Bridgeport on August 9, 2023, and sexually assaulted her in the backyard of a nearby home. A concerned resident nearby heard the woman’s screams and called 911. When police arrived, the defendant tried to jump a fence to escape but officers with the Bridgeport Police Department effectuated an on-site arrest.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Pavia commented on the video evidence presented at trial that, she stated, “was difficult to watch.” As conditions of Hunter’s probation, Judge Pavia ordered a lifetime protective order prohibiting Hunter from having any contact with the victim, Sex Offender Registry, and community-based sex offender treatment.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Justina Moore, with assistance from Inspectors Richard Lindberg and John Andrews.
“This office will continue to prosecute and hold accountable those who commit horrific acts against all members of our society,” stated State’s Attorney Corradino. “The judge’s sentence hopefully will help the victim on her path to healing with the knowledge that the defendant has been brought to justice for his crimes.”