SALAMANCA, N.Y. -- Tina Wagoner of Salamanca was sentenced Wednesday to 35 years in prison for rape and promoting prostitution of a child.
"You were supposed to guide her and protect her, but instead you used her. You took away that child's youth, just as surely as if you put a bullet to her head," said Cattaraugus County Judge Ronald Ploetz.
Prior to that, Ploetz denied Wagoner's lengthy motion to reverse the jury's guilty verdict from back in June.
"I just feel justice was served in this case," said District Attorney Lori Rieman, R-Cattaraugus County.
Prosecutors say between 2010 and 2012, Wagoner received drugs and alcohol from men in exchange for sex with an underage girl in her care at Hemlock Hills Trailer Park.
"This child was kept isolated from other children, from other adults, and was unable to go to school or learn anything or have peers," said Rieman.
The sentence capped off a three-day trial where Wagoner represented herself and even cross-examined the young victim.
"It was odd, it was unusual. I don't think she understood the law," said Rieman.
"I want justice. I want to see Tina in jail for as long as possible," said the young victim."
Prior to sentencing, the victim in the case read a letter to the judge about her experience and putting her life back together.
"It has also made it very hard for me to know what healthy and respectful relationships are. I have come a long way in building all of the skills it takes to build normal interactions with people every day," said the young victim.
Wagoner then read a letter to the victim.
"I love you. You are my princess. The boss of my home. With me, your brothers love you and miss you, and I hate life all these years without you," said Wagoner.
Wagoner was sent back to the Cattaraugus County Jail awaiting transfer.