Convicted: Essex County Man Sexually Abused Young Girl for Six Years Beginning in Kindergarten

A young girl’s “bravery and strength” helped prosecutors to convict an Essex County man of 44 counts of long-term sexual abuse, reported the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

On Thursday, a jury found Michael Calderon, 61, of Newark, guilty of repeatedly sexually assaulting a young girl in the care of his girlfriend over a period of six years.

The girl was kindergarten when the abuse began, according to prosecutors.

In addition to sexually assaulting the girl repeatedly, Calderon videotaped some of the acts.

“The bravery and strength of the victim is what made the difference,” stated Assistant Prosecutor Kathleen Lyons-Boswick, who tried the case.

“Her testimony was compelling. This was a little girl who had been sexually abused more than half her life. With the support of her family she was able to come forward and testify against her abuser.”

Calderon, 61, of Newark, was convicted for 21 counts of first degree aggravated sexual assault, 21 counts of endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of production of child pornography.

Calderon is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility. Judge Michael Ravin immediately revoked his bail after the verdict. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 17.

Calderon faces a possible sentence of life in prison, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.