By: Yuritza Arroyo
Authorities in Morris County announced that Earl Kelly, 38, of Hamilton, has been sentenced to 12 years in New Jersey State Prison.
According to officials, on April 20, a Morris County jury found Earl Kelly guilty of three counts following a six-day trial.
Authorities say the defendant was found guilty of second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and third-degree Criminal Restraint.
Kelly was acquitted on the remaining four counts of aggravated sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of aggravated criminal sexual contact, one count of criminal sexual contact, one count of armed robbery, and one count of aggravated assault.
Evidence at trial established that on December 24, 2021, the defendant met with the 19-year-old female victim at the Holiday Inn in Parsippany.
The defendant restrained the victim inside the room for a period of time while he was armed with a handgun.
Following an investigation, the defendant was apprehended by members of the Edison Police Department on January 7, 2022.
On June 8, an aggregate sentence of 12 years in New Jersey State Prison was imposed.
Specifically, concurrent eight-year sentences for the Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and the Unlawful Possession of a Weapon counts.
In addition, four years on the count of Criminal Restraint which will run consecutive to the eight years imposed on the Unlawful Possession of a Weapon count.