Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, Judge of the Superior Court, sentenced Michael Calderon, 62, of Newark to 180 years in New Jersey state prison for sexually assaulting a little girl over many years.
In April, an Essex County jury found Calderon guilty of 44 counts, including 21 counts of first degree aggravated sexual assault, 21 counts of endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of production of child pornography.
Following a two-week trial the jury found Calderon guilty of sexually assaulting the little girl vaginally, orally and anally, starting when she was five years old in kindergarten until she was 11 years old. The defendant also videotaped himself sexually assaulting the little girl.
The defendant was the boyfriend of the child’s caregiver.
Today Judge Ravin imposed eight consecutive 20-year sentences on Calderon and two consecutive 10 years sentences.
Assistant Prosecutor Kathleen Lyons-Boswick, who tried the case, said, “The sentence in this case is appropriate given the horrific crimes he committee against this young girl over many years. The sentence ensures no other child will suffer at the hands of this defendant. Justice was done.’’
Since his arrest in the fall of 2011, Calderon has been held at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.