Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, Judge of the Superior Court, sentenced Jose Rene Cruz, 41, of Irvington to 15 years in New Jersey State Prison for sexually assaulting a young girl.
On Aug. 8, 2013, an Essex County jury convicted Cruz of six counts for repeatedly sexually assaulting the girl over a two-year period. At the time of the sexual assault began the girl was nine years old. The jury found Cruz guilty of first degree aggravated sexual assault, multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child and multiple counts of sexual assault.The crimes were committed in Newark.
Under the No Early Release Act, Cruz must serve 12.75 years before he is eligible for parole. In addition, when he is released from prison he must register under Megan’s Law and have no contact with the victim.
Assistant Prosecutor Tony Gutierrez, who tried the case, said, “This defendant showed no remorse at the time of sentencing despite overwhelming evidence of his guilt.’’
Gutierrez said the victim in this case showed tremendous courage by coming forward and testifying. Cruz was arrested on March 22, 2012. He was released on bail for a period of time but has been in custody since his conviction last August.
Acting Prosecutor Murray commended the detectives in the Newark Police Department and Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Special VictimsUnit for their outstanding work on this case.