Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Sexually Assaulting Young Girl

Newark– Acting Essex County Prosecutor’s Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that Jose Santana, 60, of Belleville was sentenced to 35 years in New Jersey State prison by the Honorable Martin Cronin, Judge of the Superior Court, for sexually assaulting a 9-year-old little girl.

On Nov. 15, 2019 Santana was convicted by an Essex County jury of three counts of aggravated sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. Sentencing was delayed because of the pandemic. Santana has been incarcerated awaiting sentencing.

On Friday, Oct, 15 Judge Cronin sentenced Santana to 35 years. Under the No Early Release Act, he must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he will be eligible for parole.

“Hopefully, this will give closure to the family and this little girl will be able to rest easy knowing her brave actions will prevent him from hurting her or anyone else in the future,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Peter C. Polidoro, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Tony Gutierrez.

The assaults occurred on multiple occasions while the little girl was visiting Santana and his wife at their Belleville residence.

In addition to sexually assaulting the victim, Santana forced her to watch child pornography while the sexual assaults occurred. When officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home, they discovered child pornography on his computer.

“I hope that this sentence of 35 years sends a clear message that sexual abuse of a child will not be tolerated and will be punished severely,” said Assistant Prosecutor Gutierrez.

Prosecutor Stephens lauded the ECPO’s Special Victims Unit and the forensic investigation unit, Wynona’s House and the Belleville Police Department for bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

Serial Killer Sentenced to 160 Years for Killing Three Women

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced that convicted serial killer Khalil Wheeler-Weaver, now 25, of Orange was sentenced today to 160 years for killing three young woman and attempting to kill a fourth between August 2016 and November 2016.

In December 2019, an Essex County jury convicted Wheeler-Weaver on three counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Sarah Butler, 20, Robin West, 19, and Joanne Brown, 33. He was also found guilty of the kidnapping, sexual assault, and attempted murder of a fourth woman, Tiffany Taylor, who survived her attack.

Today, the Honorable Mark Ali, Judge of the Superior Court, sentenced Wheeler-Weaver to 160 years in New Jersey State Prison. Under the No Early Release Act (NERA), Wheeler-Weaver must serve 145 years before he is eligible for parole.

“The sentence today sends a clear and unequivocal message that each of these young women mattered. This defendant mistakenly believed that he could kill them and dump their bodies, and no one would care. He miscalculated. The jury made it clear with its verdict when it convicted Wheeler-Weaver on every count. And today the Judge, with his sentence, made it clear that each of these women would receive justice. I want to thank the Essex County assistant prosecutors, investigators and others in law enforcement who worked to bring us to this day,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Stephens. “Most importantly, I want to thank the surviving victim, Tiffany Taylor, and the friends and families of the other victims who played a pivotal role in the case.’’

Assistant Prosecutor Adam B. Wells, who tried the case, with Assistant Prosecutor Mira T. Ohm, said, “I am grateful to Ms. Taylor, and the families and friends of Joanne Brown, Sarah Buter and Robin West for the grace and strength they showed throughout this horrendous ordeal. I hope that today’s sentencing, and the promise that the defendant will be incarcerated for the rest of his life can allow them to close this chapter and move forward honoring those who are not able to do so themselves.”

After a two-month trial, the jury took less than three hours to find Wheeler-Weaver guilty on all counts, including three counts of murder. In addition to the murder counts, Wheeler-Weaver was also found guilty of kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault and attempted murder of Taylor. The jury also convicted him of three counts of desecration of human remains and aggravated arson.

Butler, a Montclair resident who was attending Jersey City University was murdered on Nov. 22, 2016. Her body was found in Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange on Dec. 1, 2016.
Brown of Newark was murdered on Oct. 22, 2016. Her body was found in a vacant home in Orange on Dec. 5, 2016. West, a native of Philadelphia who was living in Union Township, was murdered on Sept. 1, 2016 in Orange. Wheeler-Weaver set fire to her body and then torched the vacant home.

Acting Prosecutor Stephens thanked all the law enforcement agencies that worked so closely with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office on this case. He also lauded Sergeant Christopher Smith of the ECPO, Lieutenant Michael Krusznis of the Newark Police Department, retired ECPO Captain Thomas Kelly, retired ECPO Sergeant Paul Sarbando, and retired ECPO Detective Mario Suarez.

Sentence was imposed by the Honorable Christopher S. Romanyshyn, Judge of the Superior Court. Under the terms of a plea agreement, Ayala must serve the entire 25 years before he is eligible for parole.

Ayala previously pled guilty to two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault of a victim under the age of 13 and one count of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

When he entered his guilty plea, Ayala admitted to sexually assaulting the 8-year-old victim and filming the sexual assaults of the victim on his cellphone.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit, with assistance of the Newark Police Department, investigated the case.

Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Buermann, who handled the case, said “We want to thank the courageous young victim for coming forward and we hope this sentence will provide some sense of healing and closure.”

Ayala will be required to serve the entire 25-year sentence pursuant to the Jessica Lunsford Act and additionally was sentenced to Parole Supervision for Life and will be required to register under Megan’s Law.

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that Roberto Grillo, 40, of Bloomfield was convicted by an Essex County jury of sexually assaulting a girl from the age of 12 to 16.

Following a trial before the Honorable Martin G. Cronin, Judge of the Superior Court, the jury deliberated for less than a day before convicting Grillo on all 12 counts — six counts of endangering the welfare of a child, four counts of aggravated sexual assault and two counts of sex assault.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 27 before Judge Cronin. Grillo faces up to 105 years in New Jersey State Prison. He is already serving 55 years in prison for murder. In December 2018, he was convicted of first-degree murder in Union County for killing Yolanda Vega, a 35-year-old Rahway mother of two.

“The victim suffered years of torment at the hands of this defendant. She has found justice today,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Michael Morris, who tried the sexual assault case.

According to testimony at trial, the sexual assault began when the girl was 12 and continued until she was 16 years old. It took place in various locations, including the Belleville McDonald’s parking lot. When the defendant learned he was wanted, he fled to Tampa, Fla., where he tried unsuccessfully to commit suicide. He was subsequently returned to New Jersey on March 25, 2015 to face charges.

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted serial killer Khalil Wheeler-Weaver, 23, of Orange on three counts of murder in connection with the deaths of three young women he killed between August and November 2016 and the kidnapping, sexual assault, and attempted murder of a fourth woman.

“This defendant somehow thought that he could kill these women without anyone caring. The investigation undertaken by our office, in cooperation with others in law enforcement, makes clear that those of us in law enforcement would not allow that to happen,’’ said Acting Prosecutor’s Stephens. “The jury’s verdict makes clear the community would not either. Every victim is important, and we pursue each case was an unwavering commitment to produce the best outcome possible based on the evidence we can gather.’’

After a two-month trial, the jury took less than three hours to find Wheeler-Weaver guilty on all counts, including three counts of murder for killing Sarah Butler, 20, Robin West, 19, and Joanne Brown, 33.

In addition to the murder counts, Wheeler-Weaver was also found guilty of kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault and attempted murder of a 34-year-old woman who survived the attack. The jury also convicted him of three counts of desecration of human remains and aggravated arson.

Butler, a Montclair resident who was attending Jersey City University was murdered on Nov. 22, 2016. Her body was found in Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange on Dec. 1, 2016.
Brown of Newark was murdered on Oct. 22, 2016. Her body was found in a vacant home in Orange on Dec. 5, 2016.

West, a native of Philadelphia who was living in Union Township, was murdered on Sept. 1, 2016 in Orange. Wheeler-Weaver set fire to her body and then torched the vacant home.

“Three years ago, three families suffered the terror of a missing loved one, followed by the horror and loss of learning they had been murdered. The survivor suffered a horrible trauma, from which she continues to recover. For the past three years, we have worked to win justice for these women. The jury has now delivered that justice on behalf of our community,” said Assistant Prosecutor Adam B. Wells, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Mira Ohm.
“We thank the jury for their tremendous service. This result could not have happened without the cooperation of members of the law enforcement community as well as the victims’ friends and family who worked with us in solving these heinous crimes,” said Assistant Prosecutor Ohm.
Acting Prosecutor Stephens thanked all the law enforcement agencies that worked so closely with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office on this case. He extended a special thanks to Sergeant Christopher Smith of the ECPO, Lieutenant Michael Krusznis of the Newark Police Department, ECPO Captain Thomas Kelly, retired ECPO Sergeant Paul Sarbando and ECPO Detective Mario Suarez.

Newark –Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that Kenneth Palmer, a paraprofessional at Jefferson Elementary School in Maplewood, has been sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison for masturbating in the hallways of the school and taking an inappropriate photograph of a student.

Palmer, 22, of Randolph was arrested on Sept. 28, 2017 at a Shop Rite in Succasunna in a different case. During that investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, authorities discovered on his phone videos of Palmer masturbating in front of children. It was later determined the conduct took place in the hallways of Jefferson school, where he was employed. He also took an “upskirt” photo of a little girl at the same school. It was unclear whether children saw his conduct, but the law does not require that they observe him.

He was charged in Essex County with sexual assault for engaging in an act of criminal sexual contact with himself in view of children younger than 13, said Assistant Prosecutor Deborah Freier, who handled the case.

Palmer entered a guilty plea on Oct. 15, 2018 on multiple counts of sexual assault by contact and one count of endangering the welfare of a child for taking the “upskirt” image of the child.

The Honorable John Zunic, Judge of the Superior Court, sentenced Palmer to 10 years, seven of which are subject to the No Early Release Act.

Assistant Prosecutor Freier said, “New Jersey law protects children under the age of 13 from being subjected to sexual conduct like this, regardless of whether they saw or understood it.’’

Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Sexual Assault
Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that Vidrole Monace, 43, of East Orange was sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison yesterday by the Honorable Alfonse Cifelli, Judge of the Superior Court, for sexually assaulting a teenage girl.
On June 20, an Essex County jury convicted Monace of two counts of second degree sexual assault, two counts of fourth degree abuse of a child and one count of fourth degree criminal sexual contact.
Today, Judge Cifelli sentenced Monace to 10 years on the first count of second degree sexual assault and ten years for the second count. The sentences will run concurrently but he must serve 85 percent of the 10-year sentence before he is eligible for parole.

On the fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, Judge Cifelli imposed a consecutive 18-month sentence. On the two counts of fourth degree child abuse and neglect the judge imposed another 18-month sentence which will run concurrent to the other sentences.
Assistant Prosecutor Jenna Gouck, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Peter Polidoro, said, Monace knew the victim. The crimes occurred on two dates. On Dec. 7, 2012 he touched the victim’s vagina. On Dec. 12, 2012 he sexually penetrated the victim.
“With the sentencing today, the legal process has ended. Now, this victim can continue with her healing. Knowing the perpetrator is behind bars should help her in that process,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Gouck.
“The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to seek justice, to serve justice, and to do justice,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Stephens.

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Vidrole Monace, 43, of East Orange of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

According to Assistant Prosecutor Jenna Gouck, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Peter Polidoro, Monace and the victim lived in the same house. The crimes occurred on two dates. On Dec. 7, 2012 he touched the victim’s vagina. On Dec. 12, 2012 he sexually penetrated the victim.

Following a trial before the Honorable Alfonse J. Cifelli, Judge of the Superior Court, the jury convicted Monace of two counts of second degree sexual assault, two counts of fourth degree abuse of a child and one count of fourth degree criminal sexual contact.

The defendant is being housed at the Essex County Correctional Facility. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 20. He faces 10 years in state prison for all of the second-degree offenses. He will also likely be subject to life time parole supervision and Megan’s Law when he is sentenced by Judge Cifelli.

“The victim has been looking forward to this day for a very long time. We’re glad she finally received justice,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Gouck.

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Jerome Mitchell, 37, of Newark of kidnapping and sexual assault.

On Oct. 10, 2017 Mitchell approached his victim as she was walking, engaged her in conversation and then grabbed her and took her to a boarding home in the 700 block of South 18th Street in Newark where he sexually assaulted the 44-year-old woman for over a two-hour period, according to Assistant Prosecutor Amani Abdellah, who tried the case before the Honorable Siobhan Teare, Judge of the Superior Court.

Today, a jury found him guilty of second degree kidnapping and second degree sexual assault. He faces a minimum of 20 years in New Jersey state prison when he is sentenced. The sentencing date has not yet been set.

Mitchell is also extended term eligible because he has six prior felony convictions for narcotics and guns charges and was under federal supervision as a convicted felon at the time crime.

“The success of this case was largely due to the victim’s willingness to come forward and testify about the horrific events of Oct. 10. Her bravery made all the difference,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Abdellah.