Saunders sentenced to life in prison

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) - Eyewitness News has learned that convicted child rapist Corey Saunders has been sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole in 15 years.

At that point he'll be subject to a dangerousness hearing. Given the fact that this is his second offense, Saunders could in fact be in prison for life.

On February 2, Saunders pleaded guilty to raping a 6-year-old boy at New Bedford Public Library. Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter recommended Saunders serve a life sentence because of the victim's age and the fact that Saunders had violated his probation from a 2000 child rape conviction.

Saunders was arrested Jan. 30, 2008 after being accused of assaulting the little boy in the children's room at the library, while the child's mother used a computer just a few feet away. Saunders, a registered sex offender, admitted to raping the boy.

Saunder's defense attorney recommended his client receive a sentence short of life in prison including a sentence of probation.

Below is a victim impact statement released by the victim's mother.

Just want to make a brief statement. I apologize if i coud not attend, I really i wanted to be present. Due to my employment responsibilty i could not be there.

But hopefully everyone wil understand what I have to say through this statement. This incident has been very dramatic in both my son's life and my family's life. Please understand that this man tried to take my son's innocence away.

Corey Saunders is a sick individual that needs alot of treatment and help.
He has an urge that can not be controlled. It is a sickness that needs to be controlled. The solution to this is incarceration for the rest of his life. Thats all. He should not be out and about in society.

He is a danger to children in society. Not another a child nor family should go through the pain that we have endured. He has done this numerous times. What are we waiting for? More children to be hurt or possible worse.

Again, Corey Saunders needs HELP and treatment he needs to be put away and monitored for the rest of his life. That way another child's innocence could not be taken away.

As for me and I forgive Corey Saunders, but I wil not EVER forget what he has done. MY child is doIng great and I am hanging in there, and for this I thank GOD.

Now if it is decided through the courts that Corey Saunders is to be let go or even given a few years in jail, well all I can say is that it is" your choice. But children are Angels of GOD. GOD "sees everything and He and only h e wil make that judgement for what happens to Corey Saunders.

Please make the right decision.

Tiana Valdez