Auburn man found guilty of sexually assaulting teenager

Gerald R. Hoffman, 49, was convicted this afternoon of attempted first-degree rape (a Class C felony) and first-degree sexual abuse (a Class D felony) after a three-day trial by the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release. Hoffman violently sexually assaulted a 17-year-old in September 2023, the press release said.

The jury, consisting of seven women and five men, began deliberations at around 10 a.m. on Thursday and reached a verdict at 2:37 p.m. Cayuga County Assistant District Attorney Heather De Stefano prosecuted the case with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Amanda Casselman, the release said.

“We are pleased with the jury’s verdict and commend them for the time and consideration they devoted to hearing the evidence throughout the process. I hope this sentencing provides justice for the victim and allows her to continue to heal,” Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci said in the news release.

“I understand that it takes a lot of strength to come forward. I applaud her for her courage in testifying against her perpetrator. I also commend the Auburn Police Department for their outstanding work on this case.”

Hoffman is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15.