MAYVILLE – The Jamestown man who was involved in the kidnapping of a 12 year-old girl in the summer of 2011 has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. Chautauqua County District Attorney David Foley’s office announced the sentencing of 23 year-0ld Eric Chant yesterday, saying in addition to his time in prison, he was also given another 20 years post-supervision.
In August 2011, Chant abducted a 12-year-old Jamestown girl from her home and – with use of a stolen Dodge Caravan – drove her to a deserted road in the town of Poland and assault her. She eventually escaped and found help at a nearby residence. The van was later abandoned in the Chadakoin River in an area of Jamestown. Chant was arrested on unrelated charges days after the incident took place.
In September 2012, Chant entered a plea deal with the D.A.’s office on a charge of first degree rape. He was offered the plea partially because a Jamestown Police officer who worked on the Chant case – Eric Corey – had been accused of potentially tampering with evidence in other cases.
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