By: Tracie Carter
Authorities in Essex County reported that a jury has convicted Thomas Crandell, 53, of Newark, of sexually assaulting two teenage girls.
According to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, following a trial before the Honorable Verna G. Leath, the jury convicted Crandell of all 26 counts brought against him in the indictment, including five counts of aggravated sexual assault.
Crandell, the victims’ stepfather, began sexually assaulting one of the victims when she was 14-years-old.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II said he continued sexually assaulting her until she was 17-years-old when the crimes were reported, said Nicole Buermann, Assistant Prosecutor in the Special Victims Unit.
Crandell sexually assaulted the first victim’s younger sister twice in the summer of 2018; at the time she was 14-years-old.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 30, 2023, before Judge Leath. Crandell faces up to life in state prison and, if released, is subject to parole supervision for life.
He must also register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.
“The victims and their family have been looking forward to this day for a very long time,” said Buermann, who tried the case along with Assistant Prosecutor Dana Kutzleb.
“We want to thank the courageous victims for coming forward, and we are glad they finally received justice.”