Newburgh man sentenced to several years in prison for sexual abuse of children

A 39-year-old man from Newburgh has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing children over several years, authorities said.

Vernon Copeland III was convicted of sexually abusing several children between the ages of 9 and 17.

According to officials, he fled the state four years ago when he suspected police were targeting him.

He was found a year later in Florida.

Copeland is accused of aggravated sexual assault, seduction and abduction of minors.