Essex County Man Convicted of Aggravated Sexual Assault on a 13-year-old Boy

An Essex County jury convicted Anthony Barham, 49, of Newark, of aggravated sexual assault on a 13-year-old boy Friday. Barham, a convicted sex offender, was also found guilty of criminal restraint and terroristic threats. He was acquitted of kidnapping charges.

On August 8, 2011, just thirteen months after being released from prison, Barham snatched the 13-year-old victim from a Newark Street and forced him into his car, the Essex County Prosecutor explained. The victim tried to escape but was captured by Barham, who then took the child to a nearby warehouse in Irvington. It was there that he sexually assaulted the boy and threatened his life.

“The boy was only 4 feet, 11 inches and 100 pounds at the time of the attack,” Assistant Prosecutor Amber Loughran, the lawyer who tried the case, stated. “The child escaped naked and ran for help.”

Prior to this crime, Barham had been arrested 18 times. He was convicted of criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of children in 2002 and was sentenced to five years in state prison. He was also charged with sexual assault twice in Essex and Monmouth counties, but was found not guilty both times.

“This defendant is a predator who poses a grave threat to society. We will be seeking the maximum penalty when he is sentenced,’’ Assistant Prosecutor Amber Loughran said. “While he was not convicted of the kidnapping charge, we are satisfied with the jury’s verdict.’’

The 2011 assault occurred just four months after the 49-year-old sex offender had been released from prison, where he had served 13 months for violating provisions of Megan’s Law. Barham was wearing a court-ordered GPS Ankle Monitor when he attacked the 13-year-old victim in Newark.

According the Essex County Prosecutor’s office, the jury deliberated for more than three days following a two-week trial before the Honorable Robert H. Gardner, Judge of the Superior Court. Following the verdict, Judge Gardner immediately revoked bail. Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 9.