Cayuga County rapist convicted

District Attorney Jon E. Budelmann announced today that a case that was scheduled for jury trial beginning next Monday resolved with a guilty plea this morning to two counts of Rape in the Third Degree (class “E” felonies) in front of Cayuga County Judge Thomas Leone. The defendant, Andrew Laury, (D.O.B. 10/26/1978), plead guilty to both counts of statutory rape, admitting that he engaged in sexual intercourse with the two minor children on two separate dates. Andrew Laury was/is on parole for a Burglary in the Third Degree conviction from 2013. A parole detainer has been lodged against him and he is also facing a violation of parole as a result of these convictions. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on October 8, 2015 to a term of two years’ determinate prison followed by five years’ of Post-Release Supervision on each charge (to run concurrently with each other). DA Budelmann praised Assistant District Attorney Heather De Stefano who prosecuted this defendant. Heather worked tirelessly preparing this case and these children for the trial. It was important to the victims that the defendant admits his culpability and validate their brave disclosure. Although they were prepared to go through with the trial, they were very happy with the disposition which avoids a difficult trial for them.ADA Heather De Stefano’s comments:“I commend these children for the bravery it took for them to come forward about the sexual abuse. The State Police, as well as the DA’s Confidential Investigator worked on this difficult fact pattern to put together a solid case against this defendant. I am very pleased that these children will not have to go through the trauma of testifying once again.”