By: Yuritza Arroyo
Authorities in Passaic County announced that Raelito Palao, age 62, of Belleville, was found guilty after a jury trial of one count of second degree Sexual Assault, two counts of fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact, and three counts of third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
According to Clifton Police, on June 12, 2013, the department contacted the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit to report that an eleven-year-old child had been sexually assaulted in Clifton.
Authorities say thereafter, Prosecutor’s Office detectives interviewed the victim and several witnesses and learned there were two additional victims.
Prosecutor’s Office detectives then interviewed the two additional victims who reported being sexually abused by Mr. Palao on different occasions between September 2005 and August 2007 at various locations in Clifton and between June 2012 and June 2013 at various locations in Clifton.
According to authorities, on May 4, a Passaic County petit jury convicted Mr. Palao on the above-referenced charges.
Authorities say Mr. Palao’s sentencing hearing was scheduled for September 5 at 10:00 AM and remanded Mr. Palao to the custody of the Passaic County Jail pending sentence.
The sentencing for exposure on second-degree Sexual Assault is five to ten years in New Jersey State Prison with 85% of the term to be served before parole eligibility pursuant to the No Early Release Act; on fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact, is up to eighteen months in New Jersey State Prison; and on third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, it is three to five years in New Jersey State Prison.
Mr. Palao is subject to the Special Sentence of Parole Supervision for Life and Megan’s Law registration requirements.