By: Richard L. Smith
An Elizabeth resident, Ahmed Andre, 62, has been found guilty on multiple charges related to the prolonged Explicit Contact of two young girls, as announced by Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel.
The conviction came at the conclusion of a two-week jury trial overseen by Union County Superior Court Judge Candido Rodriguez Jr. on Friday, March 8, 2024.
Andre faced serious charges, including one count of first-degree aggravated Explicit Contact, four counts of second-degree Explicit Contact, two counts of third-degree aggravated criminal Explicit Contact, two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of fourth-degree criminal Explicit Contact.
The case was initiated following a referral from the Elizabeth Public School District and was diligently pursued by Sergeant Joanne, Son of the Special Victims Unit of the Union County Prosecutor's Office.
Assistant Prosecutor Peter Benza, who led the prosecution, disclosed that the investigation uncovered that the assaults began when the victims were just nine and ten years old, continuing over an eight-year period.
Prosecutor Daniel highlighted the courage of the victims in coming forward and emphasized the commitment of the Union County Prosecutor's Office to prosecuting those who exploit vulnerable children.
Andre's sentencing is set for April 19, 2024, before Judge Rodriguez.
He faces up to twenty years in state prison for the first-degree aggravated Explicit Contact charge, subject to an 85% period of mandatory parole ineligibility under New Jersey's No Early Release Act (NERA).
Additional time may be added for the other convictions, reinforcing the legal consequences of such heinous acts.