45-Year-Old Lakewood Man Sentenced to 15-Year Prison Term for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Minor

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On December 6, 2022, Norman Medina, 45, of Lakewood, NJ was sentenced for the aggravated sexual assault of a minor.

Medina was sentenced to 15 years in New Jersey State Prison with a 15-year period of parole ineligibility pursuant to the Jessica Lunsford Act.

Medina previously pled guilty to the offense on July 14, 2022, before the Honorable Rochelle Gizinski, J.S.C., of the Ocean County Superior Court who also imposed the sentence last Tuesday.

The case involved the sexual assault of a minor child in the defendant’s Lakewood home on several occasions when the child was between the ages of five and twelve.

The investigation, a collaborative effort, by the Lakewood Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office culminated in the defendant admitting to intentionally touching the victim.

The victim, who spoke at sentencing, “was extremely brave in coming forward and facing her abuser today at sentencing,” said Atlantic County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Erika Halayko. “This child spoke not only for herself but for all victims of sexual abuse giving courage to those who might not feel they are ready to come forward to speak out against their abusers,” said Halayko.

Due to a conflict with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Halayko and Assistant Prosecutor Julia Miller from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office represented the State of New Jersey in the matter.