Suspect in brutal sex assault says he'll plead guilty rather than go to trial

Harrison Thorp 6:30 a.m.


Suspect in brutal sex assault says he'll plead guilty rather than go to trial

Adam Joseph Brill (Rochester Police photo)

DOVER - It appears the victim of a brutal sex assault will be spared having to testify in court after a Rochester man charged in the attack signed paperwork on Friday indicating his intention to accept a plea deal and plead guilty rather than have the case go to trial.

Adam Joseph Brill, 39, of 9F Eastern Ave., was indicted on felony counts of attempted aggravated felonious sexual assault and second degree assault as well as several misdemeanor charges in connection with the alleged May 2 attack in Rochester.

The felonies alleged Brill strangled the victim "by applying pressure to her throat" and attempted fellatio upon her, while the misdemeanor charges represent that he "rubbed his penis on her face," "grabbed her ears" and "grabbed her groin" either without her consent or by physical force.

If convicted on both felony counts Brill could face up to 27 years in state prison, while each of the 10 misdemeanors listed carry one-year jail terms apiece.

In December Brill was arraigned on new charges alleging he had violated a protective order for calling the victim numerous times from jail. His trial was supposed to begin later this month.

However, Assistant County Attorney Emily Conant said that Brill signed paperwork on Friday indicating he would plead guilty in the attack.

His official plea and sentencing could come as soon as later this month, said Conant, who said she couldn't divulge specifics of the deal prosecutors offered Brill.

Meanwhile, Brill remains held at Strafford County Jail on $25,000 cash bail.