Thursday, October 8, 2026
Freeport resident David Chaplin was sentenced on Oct. 8 to 23 and a half years to life for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting an estranged girlfriend in 2024. Chaplin reportedly threatened the victim for several weeks after the incident before she reported his actions to law enforcement.
Chaplin, 58, was convicted on June 23 in Nassau County related to a long list of charges levied against him by the Nassau County District Attorney's office on behalf of the unnamed victim.
The charges include kidnapping in the second degree, attempted assault in the first degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, assault in the second degree, three counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, endangering the welfare of a child, menacing in the second degree, aggravated harassment in the second degree and criminal contempt in the second degree.
"David Chaplin kidnapped his victim, subjected her to extreme violence and threatened her over the course of weeks to manipulate her," said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. "The woman courageously came forward despite fearing for her life, and because of her bravery this defendant will now spend decades behind bars."
Donnelly detailed in a press release that according to the investigation, the victim and Chaplin were dating when she visited him and his two-year-old daughter one day. Following an argument between the two adults, Chaplin assaulted the victim and beat her with his fists and a wooden "bat-like object." All of this occurred in the vicinity of Chaplin's daughter.
The victim reported that she was in and out of consciousness for hours after the assault. The next morning, she went to the hospital, where medical staff notified the police about her injuries. However, the victim did not speak to law enforcement officers, reportedly out of fear of retaliation from Chaplin.
The victim sustained multiple injuries in the assault, including a broken arm and orbital bone.
She reportedly stopped seeing the defendant, yet, she remained in contact with him. The county district attorney's office says that this was due to her affection for the defendant's daughter.
On July 4, 2024, the victim tried to drop off several items for the child at Chaplin's house, but was confronted by Chaplin as she returned to her car. He allegedly brandished a gun and threatened her with it if she reported his actions to law enforcement.
Two days later, Chaplin texted the victim and said he was going to shoot and kill her, which prompted her to finally contact the authorities. The Freeport Police Department, with assistance from the Nassau County Police Department, arrested Chaplin the same day.
During the arrest, Chaplin was found to be in possession of cocaine. In a subsequent search of his home, which Chaplin consented to, police found an unloaded and defaced firearm that was determined to still be operable.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Louis Stober and Deputy District Court Bureau Chief Melissa Salsone. The defendant is represented by Donald Rollock, Esq.
