Michael Cunningham, 68, of Brewster. Contribute photo
BREWSTER, N.Y. — A former school bus driver was convicted Wednesday of sexually abusing a 6-year-old girl he was babysitting, the Putnam County District Attorney’s office said in a news release.
Michael Cunningham, 68, now faces 14 years in prison and lifetime sexual offender registration when he is sentenced on July 22.
The 12-member jury unanimously found him guilty of first-degree sexual abuse after “crediting the testimony of the victim,” according to the release.
“I applaud the tremendous courage and remarkable bravery the (now) 7-year-old victim showed by coming forward and confronting her abuser in court,” District Attorney Adam Levy said in the release. “By breaking her silence and finding her voice, she allowed my office to do its job which, in the end, will make Putnam County a safer place. She is an inspiration to us all.”
Cunningham had been arrested last July following an investigation into the abuse.