April 16, 2015
Jury Finds Man Guilty of Long Term Child Sexual Abuse
Newark Man is Convicted on all 44 Counts
Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Michael Calderon, 61, of Newark of 44 counts, including 21 counts of first degree aggravated sexual assault, 21 counts of endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of production of child pornography.
Following a two-week trial before the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, Judge of the Superior Court, the jury found Calderon guilty of sexually assaulting the little girl vaginally, orally and anally, starting when she was five years old in kindergarten until she was 11 years old. The defendant also videotaped himself sexually assaulting the little girl. The defendant was the boyfriend of the child’s caregiver.
“The bravery and strength of the victim is what made the difference in this case. Her testimony was compelling. This was a little girl who had been sexually abused more than half her life. With the support of her family she was able to come forward and testify against her abuser,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Kathleen Lyons-Boswick, who tried the case. “We are truly thankful to the jurors for the time and attention they devoted to this difficult case.’’
Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 17. Calderon is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility. Judge Ravin immediately revoked his bail after the verdict. Calderon faces life in prison when he is sentenced.
