robinsonpromo.jpg

Herman Robinson, 39, of Schenectady, New York, is seen in an undated police photo.

(Schenectady County Sheriff's Office)

A Schenectady, New York, man was sentenced Wednesday to 100 years to life in prison for repeatedly raping a girl, then killing the baby after the youngster became pregnant.

Herman Robinson, 39, received the maximum sentence during an appearance before Judge Michael Coccoma in Schenectady County Court, the Albany Times Union reported.

Coccoma found Robinson guilty in April at a non-jury trial requested by the defendant. Robinson was convicted of second-degree murder, predatory sexual assault against a child and six other counts.

Prosecutors alleged Robinson began raping the girl when she was 11, fathered a baby with her when she was 14, ordered her to be quiet about the pregnancy, tried to abort the fetus, then killed the newborn right after delivering her.

The baby girl's body was never recovered, the Schenectady Gazette reported.

Before sentencing, Robinson professed his innocence.

"I am not a monster," Robinson told the court. "I'm not guilty. And I'll go to my grave believing just that."

His remarks prompted the victim, now 18, to leave the courtroom until she returned to hear sentencing, according to the Times Union.

Coccoma noted Robinson's lengthy arrest record for unrelated crimes, including assaulting a driver and fighting with police officers.

"It is my intention by imposing this sentence to end your reign of terror," Coccoma told Robinson, News10ABC reported.

Robinson's attorney said he would appeal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.