A 63-year-old New Jersey man was convicted of raping his girlfriend’s 10-year-old daughter five years ago, officials announced Wednesday.
Osbourne Gooden, 63, of Irvington, raped the girl on June 22, 2020, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
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A few minutes before the incident, the girl was sitting on the porch with her mother and sister, enjoying an ice pop. Authorities claim that Gooden followed the woman inside the house and sexually assaulted her after she went inside to get another ice pop.
Following a six-day trial, the jury convicted Gooden on Friday. The suspect faces 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on November 1, according to authorities.
“We appreciate the jury’s careful assessment of the evidence and the victim’s courage in coming forward. This guilty conviction not only confirms that the truth was heard, but it also represents a significant step toward justice and sends a clear message that crimes against children will not go unpunished,” stated Assistant Prosecutor Cynthia Teller.
Gooden will also have to register as a sex offender, police added.
