Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that Jean Joseph, 39, of Irvington was sentenced by the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, J.S.C., to 15 years in New Jersey state prison for sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl.
In April of 2010, the defendant’s mother was babysitting the little girl who had just arrived in the U.S. from Haiti when the sexual assault occurred. At the time, Joseph was unemployed and living with his mother. She left the house to run an errand and Joseph isolated the little girl in a secluded bedroom and asked her to kiss his penis.
On July 19, an Essex County jury deliberated 30 minutes before convicting Joseph of 1st degree aggravated sexual assault, 2nd degree sexual contact and two counts of 3rd degree endangering the welfare of a child.
Assistant Prosecutor Tara Creegan, who successfully tried the case, said Joseph never showed any remorse or any sympathy for the child. Even more troubling, Creegan said, he accused the six-year-old of being promiscuous.
In addition to the 15 year sentence, of which he must serve 85 percent, Joseph will be subject to life long supervision under Megan’s Law.
