CORTLAND, N.Y. — A man from Cortland County has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for committing a violent and sexual felony offense against a child. Robert Schulte, aged 45, was arrested in May 2024 and charged with the first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child. He pleaded guilty on May 14. According to New York State law, this offense involves engaging in two or more acts of sexual conduct over a period of not less than three months with a child under the age of thirteen, including acts such as sexual intercourse, oral sexual conduct, anal sexual conduct, or aggravated sexual contact. County Court Judge David Alexander stated that this case involved ongoing abuse, and with the guilty plea, the victim and their family can now find some closure. Schulte was also sentenced to 10 years of post-release supervision. “The successful prosecution was made possible because the victim reported the crime and showed great courage in testifying,” said Cortland County Chief Assistant District Attorney Jessica Weyant. Despite the potential for a 25-year sentence, due to Schulte being a first-time offender, the agreed-upon sentence ensures a prison term without the need for a trial.