A city man was sentenced today to five years in prison for robbing a prostitute and sexually assaulting another.
On the morning of Aug. 17, the victim reported that an armed man, later identified as Valice Anderson, took money from her and sexual assaulted her.
That same day, a second victim (also a prostitute) reported being approached by Anderson. The two went to an alleyway off Ocean Avenue after they made a deal. While there, Anderson took out a gun and attempted to rob her. The woman claims screamed and was able to get away.
Two days later, Anderson was arrested after being spotted by one of the victims.
Police later discovered that the gun used in both incidents turned out to be fake.
On May, 1, Anderson pleaded guilty to robbery and sexual assault.
During sentencing, Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Najma Rana said, "The women were involved in the sex trade by choice, chance or circumstance and were especially vulnerable. The defendant thought they would not report it because they were prostitutes or that police would not believe them."
Anderson remains at the Hudson County jail in Kearny.