June 20, 2018
Man Found Guilty of Raping Woman
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.
