August 11, 2025
FROM STEUBEN COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY BROOKS BAKER:
On May 29, 2025 a Steuben County Jury returned a verdict, finding 26-year-old Robert Taft of Hornell guilty of two counts of Assault in the First Degree, each a class B violent felony; two counts of Reckless Assault of a Child in the First Degree, each a class D violent felony; and two counts of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, each a class D felony. Defendant was convicted of all charges presented to the Jury.
The Verdict came after a two-week trial held in Steuben County Court before Supreme Court Justice Jason L. Cook. At trial the People proved that the Defendant had violently shaken his three-month old daughter twice in October of 2022 – causing a near-fatal brain injury from which she continues to suffer.
Today, Robert Taft appeared before Justice Cook for sentencing. During the emotional proceeding, the Victim’s mother spoke about the breach of trust and live long impact Defendant’s actions would have on her Daughter. Justice Cook reviewed the presentence investigation and facts of the case, which he made clear “shocked the conscience of the Court” – before imposing sentence. An emotionless Taft said only “I’m sorry” before being sentenced to 15 years on one Assault in the First Degree Charge, and 18yrs on the other to be served consecutively – meaning he will serve a total of 33 years in state prison before being released to another 10 years of post-release supervision. Concurrent lesser state prison sentences were imposed on the remaining charges.
Hornell Police Investigator Thomas Aini coordinated the investigation with assistance from Steuben County Child Protective Services and the New York State Police. The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Brooks Baker and Sr. Assistant District Attorney Joseph Pelych who were both present for the sentencing. On sentencing, Baker said: “While no sentence can ever undue the life-time of suffering Taft inflicted on his Victim; what Justice Cook did today insures that the Victim and her family can move on with their lives without having to carry the specter of Robert Taft – we came as close to justice as you ever can in a case like this.”
The Defendant was represented at trial by Sr. Assistant Steuben County Public Defenders Sujata Ramaiah and Terrance Baxter. He was remanded to the custody of the Steuben County Jail pending transfer to a New York State Prison.
