By: Richard L. Smith
An Essex County jury has found a Newark man guilty of strangling and assaulting his pregnant wife in an attack witnessed by her teenage daughter, according to a statement released by Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II.
Following a week-long trial, 31-year-old Milton Chogllo was convicted on June 4, 2025, of second-degree aggravated assault involving strangulation and third-degree aggravated assault.
The charges stem from a violent incident that occurred on March 5, 2023, outside the couple’s residence on Bergen Street in Newark.
During the trial, Assistant Prosecutors Jenna Ventola and Mattison Monteleone presented evidence that Chogllo assaulted 32-year-old Cristina Leon, who was six months pregnant at the time.
The victim’s 14-year-old daughter witnessed the attack and later provided critical testimony, helping to secure the conviction.
“Justice for victims of domestic violence is not just about punishment — it’s about protection, dignity, and the message that abuse will never be tolerated,” said Assistant Prosecutor Ventola in a statement after the verdict.
Assistant Prosecutor Monteleone added, “We are encouraged that this verdict shows that victims of domestic violence are being heard and will continue to be heard.
We believe justice has been served, and we hope this brings some measure of comfort to the victim and her family.”
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Police Department were credited for their work in the investigation. Chogllo is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18, 2025.