newjerseynewsroom.com

A Middlesex County man was convicted Wednesday of sexual assault against a minor, said Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow.

Jose Tavera, 39, of Sewaren, N.J. was found guilty following a trial in Union County Superior Court, said Assistant Prosecutor Melissa A. Spagnoli who prosecuted the case. Tavera was found guilty of 2nd degree Sexual Assault, 2nd Attempted Sexual Assault and 3rd degree Endangering the Welfare of A Child.

According to the investigation, Tavera assaulted the child of his girlfriend while the mother was at work. The assaults occurred between Sept. 2007 and Sept. 2009, said Spagnoli. The abuse was reported by the victim shortly after the mother and Tavera ended their relationship. The abuse took place in Union County when the victim was less than 13-years-old, said Spagnoli.

Following the verdict Tavera was remanded to the Union County Jail and faces up to 25 years in prison when sentenced on May 20, 2011 before Union County Superior Court Judge Joseph P. Perfilio.

— NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM