Newark, N.J. – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been sentenced to 60 years in state prison for sexually assaulting three women.
Assistant Prosecutors Meredith Mona and Brianna Sandroni tried the case before Judge Harold W. Fullilove, Jr., J.S.C., who also presided over the sentencing.
On June 12, 2025, Salaam Leeks, 39, of Newark was convicted on three counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated sexual assault.
Prosecutors proved that Leeks sexually assaulted three victims in 2015 and 2016 in Newark. The defendant falsely claimed that the victims and their families were in danger from a street gang. He told each victim that engaging in sex with him would protect them from harm. As a result, the victims engaged in sexual acts with the defendant under coercion without their freely given consent.
“Today’s sentence brings meaningful relief and a sense of justice to the three victims who courageously came forward and testified years after being manipulated, threatened, and sexually assaulted by this defendant”, said Assistant Prosecutor Mona. “We hope this outcome sends a strong message that perpetrators of sexual violence against women will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Leeks is not eligible for parole because he was on Parole Supervision for Life when he committed these offenses.
The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. All calls will remain confidential.
SALAAM LEEKS
