Derrick Clancy, 43, was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to a series of horrific crimes involving the burglary and sexual assault of two elderly women in their Mastic Beach homes.
According to the investigation and Clancy’s own admission, the first attack occurred in the early morning hours of October 10, 2023. Clancy broke into the home of a woman over 70 years old by cutting a hole in a window screen and climbing through. He then physically and sexually abused the victim while repeatedly claiming he had a knife. The victim managed to press her medical alert system button, prompting Clancy to flee. She was subsequently treated at a local hospital for her injuries.
The second attack took place a week later on October 17, 2023, also in the early morning hours. Another woman over 70 years old heard a noise coming from a closet in her home. When she investigated, she found Clancy climbing through a window in the closet. Clancy again physically and sexually abused the victim before fleeing. This victim immediately called 911 and was treated at a local hospital for her injuries.
Clancy was arrested on October 21, 2023, after a collaborative investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department, the United States Marshals Service’s New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Detectives recovered the mask and knife Clancy had used during the first burglary.
“Breaking into the homes of elderly women and subjecting them to sexual abuse is utterly reprehensible,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “My office will continue to aggressively pursue justice for our most vulnerable citizens and ensure that those who prey on them face the full consequence of their actions.”
Clancy pleaded guilty on April 30th to multiple charges, including two counts of burglary, two counts of sexual abuse, two counts of assault, and two counts of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. On June 21st Clancy was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison.
Photo by RDNE Stock project.
