Essex County Man Raped Girlfriend’s Young Daughter, Faces Lengthy Jail Sentence

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — An Essex County man was convicted of several crimes after he raped his girlfriend’s 10-year-old daughter, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Osbourne Gooden, 63, of Irvington, faces a sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. He will also be required to register as a sex offender in accordance with Megan’s Law, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Prosecutors said the assault took place in June 2020. The victim was sitting on her front porch with her mother and sister, having frozen ice pops along with Gooden and his friend.

When the 10-year-old went inside to get another ice pop, Gooden followed her into the home, grabbed her and raped her, authorities said.

A jury returned a guilty verdict on Friday after a six-day trial on charges of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree criminal restraint.

Gooden is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 21.

“We are grateful to the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence and to the victim for their courage in coming forward,” assistant prosecutor Cynthia Teller said.

The prosecutor’s office credited the Irvington Police Department with aiding the investigation.

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