A Schuylkill County man convicted earlier this year of child rape and other related offenses will spend decades in state prison.
John Thomas Riley, 45, of Pottsville, was ordered to spend the next 40-80 years behind bars at his sentencing hearing on Friday morning in Courtroom 7 at Schuylkill County Courthouse.
On Sept. 18, Riley was found guilty by a jury of 11 women and 1 man on a charge of child rape and other offenses. The jury believed Riley raped the daughter of his former partner over the course of several years.
The 40-80 years imposed by Schuylkill County Common Pleas Judge James Goodman is a consecutive culmination of numerous sentences on the many charges Riley was found guilty.
Family of the victim became emotional in the courtroom as Goodman read his sentencing order. Riley sat emotionless next to his attorney throughout much of Friday’s proceedings.
Assistant District Attorney Andrew Bench had sought a sentence of 66-128 years but seemed satisfied with the result of Friday’s hearing.
Prior to sentencing, Goodman also determined that Riley should be classified as a Sexually Violent Predator.
During the sentencing hearing, Riley did not offer any statements and maintains his innocence. After he was escorted from the courtroom, he and his family were overheard saying they’ll appeal the case.
However, prior to Goodman imposing the sentence, Riley heard from his victim, her mother and step-father, and Bench.
Bench said Riley groomed his victim over the course of his abusive behavior.
“You knew what you were doing,” Bench said. “It’s one of the most despicable things I’ve ever heard. You used every trick in the book and she (the victim) bore it all.”
Riley’s victim delivered emotional testimony Friday saying she was so angry at the man she once considered to be a father figure in her life.
“I was just looking for a father,” she said.
Because of Riley’s abuse, the victim said she has endured countless nightmares but she’s ready to experience feelings other than anger now that he’s going away for a very long time.
“After feeling angry for so long, I’m excited to feel something new,” she said.
The victim’s step-father also testified prior to sentencing on Friday. He recalled testimony from the trial in which Riley claimed he was raped as a child.
“How dare you … How dare you inflict that on somebody else,” he told Riley directly. “I don’t know how you look at something so precious and say ‘I’m going to ruin your life’.”
FULL COVERAGE: Coal Region Canary has followed this case from the beginning. Check out key articles from our catalog of reports below …
- Jury Finds Riley Guilty on All Counts in Child Rape Case
- Victim Testifies in Child Sex Assault Case; Prosecutors Tack on Felony Charge
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article used an incorrect spelling of Riley’s last name.
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