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Newark Man Admits Kidnapping, Sexually Assaulting Rutgers’ Student in New Brunswick

Newark New Brunswick

Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey said a Newark man yesterday admitted to kidnapping and sexually assaulting a female student in New Brunswick.

According to authorities, Michael P. Knight, 39, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault in the attacked of a Rutgers’s student on May 4, 2016.

Under a plea agreement reached with Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Allysa Gambarella, the defendant will be sentenced to 22 years in a New Jersey state prison subject to the No Early Release Act. As such, Knight will have to serve 85 percent of the term before he can be released on parole. Knight also must register as a Megan’s Law sex offender and will undergo parole supervision for life.

The sentence is expected to be imposed by Superior Court Judge Joseph A. Paone at a hearing on March 5, 2018.

The investigation determined that Knight followed the woman and attacked her near College Avenue and Seminary Place on the New Brunswick campus on May 4, 2016, at 3:30 a.m.

Knight struck her on the head, severely beat her, dragged her to the side of a building and sexually assaulted her when a group of individuals intervened.

As he fled, he said he had a gun and threatened to shoot one of the men who attempted to chase him.

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