Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Jose Cruz, 40, of Irvington of sexually assaulting a girl repeatedly over a period of 2 years when she was between the ages of 9 and 10 years old.
Following a four-day trial before the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, J.S.C., the jury returned a verdict finding Cruz guilty of all six counts in the indictment including, first degree aggravated sexual assault, multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child and multiple counts of sexual assault. The crimes occurred in Newark.
“The victim bravely came in and testified against the defendant,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Tony Gutierrez, who tried the case.
After the defendant was found guilty on all counts, Gutierrez asked the judge to revoke bail. The judge did so and Cruz was transferred to the Essex County Correctional Facility, where he will be held until sentencing on Nov. 15.
Cruz faces 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison. Under the No Early Release Act, he must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. He must also register under Megan’s Law.
