Man Robbed, Tried To Sexually Assault Teen In Manalapan, Jury Rules

MANALAPAN, NJ — A Freehold Borough man has been convicted in connection with a 2023 attempted sexual assault and robbery that took place in Manalapan, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said.

Following a two-week trial before Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon, Anthony Burke, 48, was found guilty of first-degree attempted aggravated sexual assault, first-degree armed robbery, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, Santiago said.

Burke was convicted following an incident that took place on August 14, 2023, in Manalapan Township.

At 9:48 p.m. on Aug. 14, 2023, Manalapan police officers responded to Thompson Grove Park for a report of an armed robbery.

An investigation revealed that the perpetrator had forced his way into the 19-year-old victim’s car, robbing and attempting to sexually assault her at gunpoint, Santiago said.

After her phone, keys, and cash were taken from her, authorities said the victim managed to free herself and flee to a nearby home for help. Investigators identified Burke as the suspect.

Because Burke was found by the jury to be a repeat violent offender based on prior violent convictions, authorities said he faces a mandatory term of 20 years to life in an NJ State Prison when he is sentenced on Monday, May 18, 2026.

The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Caitlin J. Sidley of the Major Crimes Bureau. Burke is represented by Michael A. Policastro, Esq., of Milltown.

Investigation into the August 2023 incident was led by the Manalapan Township Police Department, along with members of the MCPO’s Major Crimes, Special Victims and High Tech Bureaus.

The investigation also had critical investigative collaboration from the Freehold Township Police Department, the Freehold Borough Police Department, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police Forensic Imaging Unit.