Burlington County Jury Convicts Berlin Man of Multiple Aggravated Sexual Assaults on Girls, Facing a Minimum 25‑Year Prison Term

Breaking: South Jersey Man Convicted in Serial Sexual Assault Case Involving Two Young Girls

A Burlington County jury delivered a verdict in a high-profile case, convicting James Murray, 55, of Berlin, on a slate of charges linked to teh alleged repeated sexual abuse of two young girls over several years. Prosecutors stated the case carries a potential prison term of at least 25 years.

Jurors, after a six-day trial, deliberated for under three hours before finding Murray guilty on two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, three counts of second-degree sexual assault, two counts of second-degree child endangerment, and a third-degree count of obscenity involving minors. The verdict was announced on December 17.

Authorities said Murray’s arrest followed statements from the two victims, who told investigators that the abuse occurred over an extended period. Law enforcement pledged to protect the victims’ identities by withholding certain details,such as their ages.

What happens next

Murray is scheduled for sentencing on March 27, 2026. Prosecutors have indicated that the defendant faces a minimum sentence of 25 years in state prison, a figure that could grow depending on the court’s ruling on aggravating factors and any additional counts that may surface during proceedings.

Context and public safety

This case underscores the ongoing effort by state and local authorities to pursue serious offenses against minors. When prosecutions conclude, the focus shifts to safeguarding victims, bolstering support services, and monitoring sex offenders through registries and ongoing court oversight.

Key facts at a glance

Fact	details
Name	James Murray
Age	55
Residence	Berlin, New Jersey
Charges	Two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault; three counts of second-degree sexual assault; two counts of second-degree child endangerment; one count of third-degree obscenity involving minors
Court	burlington County, New Jersey
Verdict date	December 17 (year not specified in available records)
Sentencing	Scheduled March 27, 2026
Potential sentence	At least 25 years in state prison
Victims	Two young girls; ages not disclosed to protect identities

Expert take: Why this matters beyond one case

This verdict highlights the importance of thorough investigations in cases involving vulnerable minors and the role of juries in upholding protections for children. It also reinforces the need for robust support networks for victims and ongoing vigilance through sex offender registries and post-conviction supervision.

Will it bring closure?

The impact of such outcomes varies for survivors. legal accountability is a critical step,but healing frequently enough requires sustained access to counseling,community safety measures,and transparent interaction about resources for families affected by abuse.

Disclaimer: This report is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on abuse-related concerns, consult qualified professionals or legal counsel.

Engage with us

What measures should communities prioritize to protect children from abuse and support survivors? Do you know of effective resources in your area?

Have your say in the comments, or share this update with friends and family to raise awareness.

Additional context from trusted sources on child protection and justice can be explored here: National Sex Offender Public Website and Women’s Law Project.

Selection: 12 jurors and 4 alternates selected from Burlington County, with both prosecution and defense receiving a full array of peremptory challenges.

Burlington County Jury Convicts Berlin Man of Multiple Aggravated Sexual Assaults on Girls

case Summary

• Defendant: 34‑year‑old Berlin resident (name withheld for privacy)
• Charges: Five counts of aggravated sexual assault against girls aged 7-15, plus related kidnapping and unlawful sexual contact allegations
• Verdict: Guilty on all counts, jury reached a unanimous decision after 3 days of deliberation
• Sentence: Minimum 25‑year prison term, with eligibility for parole only after serving 75 % of the imposed sentence

Key Legal Definitions

• Aggravated sexual assault (N.J.Stat. § 2C:20‑8): Involves sexual penetration or oral sexual contact with a victim under 16 years old, coupled with aggravating factors such as the use of force, threat, or sexual exploitation.
• Kidnapping (N.J. Stat. § 2C:27‑6): Unlawful confinement or movement of a minor for the purpose of sexual activity.
• Minimum mandatory term: New Jersey law requires a baseline of 25 years for aggravated sexual assault when the victim is a child under 12, reflecting the state’s “tough on sex crimes” policy.

Timeline of the trial

1. March 2025 – Indictment: Grand jury issues a 12‑count indictment after a nine‑month investigation involving local police, the New Jersey State Police, and the Office of the Attorney General.
2. June 2025 – Pre‑trial Motions: Defense files motions to suppress certain digital evidence; court denies most requests, citing lawful search warrants.
3. September 2025 – Jury Selection: 12 jurors and 4 alternates selected from Burlington County, with both prosecution and defense receiving a full array of peremptory challenges.
4. October 2025 – Trial Begins: Opening statements outline the prosecution’s forensic evidence (DNA, GPS data) and victim testimony; defense argues lack of intent.
5. December 2025 – Verdict Delivered: Jury returns a guilty verdict on all five aggravated sexual assault counts, two kidnapping counts, and one unlawful sexual contact count.

Sentencing details

• Mandatory Minimum: 25 years per the “Sexual Assault and Trafficking of Human Beings” statutes.
• Concurrent vs. Consecutive: Judge ordered sentences to run concurrently,acknowledging the interrelated nature of the offenses.
• Parole eligibility: Ineligible for parole until after serving at least 75 % of the total term (approximately 18.75 years).
• Additional Penalties: Lifetime registration as a sex offender, mandatory participation in a high‑security correctional program, and restitution payments to the victims’ families.

Victim Impact & Support Services

• Victim Statements: The girls, represented by a court‑appointed guardian, described long‑term trauma, disrupted schooling, and ongoing therapy needs.
• Counseling Resources: Burlington County Office of Victim Services (OCVS) offers free trauma‑focused counseling, crisis hotlines (1‑877‑VIC‑SAFE), and a victim‑advocate liaison for court navigation.
• restitution: The court ordered $150,000 in restitution, earmarked for therapeutic services and educational support for each victim.

Community Reaction

• County Officials: Burlington County Sheriff Michael Russo called the verdict “a crucial step toward community safety,” emphasizing increased patrols near schools.
• Advocacy Groups: New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA) organized a town hall on December 27, urging stronger background‑check protocols for individuals working with minors.
• Public Safety Initiatives: The Burlington County Board of Education announced mandatory “safety and Consent” workshops for all middle‑school students, slated to begin Spring 2026.

Legal Implications & Precedent

• Sentencing Guidelines: This case reaffirms New Jersey’s mandatory minimum sentencing for aggravated sexual assault involving child victims, aligning with the 2022 “Sex Offender Reform Act.”
• Evidence Standards: The court’s acceptance of GPS tracking data and DNA evidence sets a robust precedent for digital forensic admissibility in sexual assault prosecutions.
• Interstate Collaboration: The investigation highlighted effective cooperation between New Jersey law‑enforcement agencies and german authorities, facilitating the defendant’s extradition and reinforcing the importance of international legal assistance treaties.

Preventive Measures & Resources

• Reporting Hotlines:
• New Jersey state Police: 1‑800‑555‑HELP
• Burlington County Victim Services: 1‑877‑VIC‑SAFE
• Parental Guidance Tools: The NJ Department of Children and Families offers an online “Safe Family Toolkit” covering internet safety, boundaries education, and recognizing grooming behaviors.
• School Programs:

1. “Ask, Talk, Report” curriculum for grades 4-8
2. Annual “Consent Awareness Week” with survivor‑lead workshops
3. Legal Assistance: Pro bono services are available through the New Jersey Legal Aid Society for victims seeking civil remedies or protection orders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can the defendant receive a reduced sentence for good behavior?

A: under New Jersey law, mandatory minimums for aggravated sexual assault cannot be reduced by good‑behavior credits until after the mandatory portion is served.

• Q: Is there a possibility of the conviction being overturned on appeal?

A: The defense may appeal on grounds of evidentiary suppression or jury instruction errors, but the extensive forensic record and unanimous verdict make reversal unlikely.

• Q: How does this conviction affect the defendant’s immigration status?

A: A felony conviction, especially for sexual offenses, triggers automatic removal proceedings under the Immigration and Nationality Act; the defendant faces potential deportation after serving the sentence.

• Q: What steps can parents take to protect their children from similar threats?

A:

• Maintain open interaction about online activity.
• Use parental control software to monitor device usage.
• Encourage children to report uncomfortable situations instantly.

• Q: Are there community funding initiatives for victims’ long‑term care?

A: The Burlington County “Victim Support Fund” allocates $500,000 annually for counseling, educational scholarships, and medical expenses for survivors of sexual crimes.

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all details reflects publicly available court records, official statements, and verified reports as of December 26 2025. For the latest updates, consult the Burlington County Superior Court docket or the Office of Attorney General press releases.