FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Assistant Prosecutor Leo Hernandez
PHONE: (201) 795-6400
EMAIL: lhernandez@hcpo.org
DATE: Friday, January 29, 2016

PROSECUTOR SUAREZ ANNOUNCES GUILTY VERDICT IN SEXUAL ASSAULT TRIAL OF REPEAT OFFENDER

On Friday, January 29, 2016, a jury sitting in Hudson County found the Defendant Shawn Barrett, age 48, of Stevens Avenue in Jersey City, guilty of four separate counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault, one count of 3rd Degree Terroristic Threats and 2 counts of Simple Assault.

On July 28, 2013, the Defendant met the 25 year-old transgender victim in Newark. He subsequently transported her to his home where he repeatedly assaulted her and threatened to kill her if she did not comply with his demands. Barrett, a persistent offender with six prior indictable convictions now faces a maximum exposure of 30 years in prison in relation to this case when he is sentenced on April 22, 2016 by the Honorable Joseph V. Isabella.

Prosecutor Suarez said, “I commend the jury for their collective efforts to reach a just verdict.” The Prosecutor also commended Assistant Prosecutor Najma Rana, who presented the State’s case.