Freeport man sentenced for kidnapping, beating ex-girlfriend in front of toddler
Prosecutors say David Chaplin, 58, subjected the victim to extreme violence and abuse in 2024.
A Freeport man has been sentenced to 23 ½ years to life in prison for committing a slew of violent offenses against his former girlfriend.
Prosecutors say David Chaplin, 58, subjected the victim to extreme violence and abuse in 2024.
During one incident, he beat her with his fists and a “wooden bat-like object” after an argument with his 2-year-old daughter nearby. The victim was left with numerous injuries and repeatedly lost consciousness.
Prosecutors say she visited a hospital the next day to receive treatment for a broken arm and orbital bone. Hospital staff alerted police, but she did not speak to investigators out of fear.
Although the couple was separated during the following month, the victim maintained contact with Chaplin due to her bond with his daughter.
Prosecutors say Chaplin threatened the victim with a gun during one occasion when she approached the home to drop items off for the child.
She contacted police after he sent her a text saying her was going to kill her two days later. Chaplin was arrested by Freeport and Nassau County police soon after.
A jury trial in June found him guilty of kidnapping, attempted assault, criminal possession of a controlled substance, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, endangering the welfare of a child, menacing, aggravated harassment and criminal contempt.
