Buffalo, NY rapist convicted of acquaintance rape

Brian Cooper, a convicted criminal with a 1999 Buffalo, NY drug conviction, and a 1997 federal bank larceny charge, was convicted in a bench trial before State Supreme Court Justice John L. Michalski of 3rd degree rape and 1st degree criminal sexual act in the rape of a 28 year old woman who was a longtime family friend. Cooper, 32, was acquitted of 1st degree rape. Prosecutor Marni Bogart will recommend that Cooper, who is being held on $150,000 bond pending sentencing August 1, is sentenced to the maximum 4 years in prison for the rape.