Union Co. Man Convicted Of Rape, Repeated Sexual Assault Of 2 Young Girls

ELIZABETH, NJ — An Elizabeth man was convicted of rape and repeatedly sexually assaulting two young girls over eight years, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel announced Friday.

Following a two-week jury trial before Union County Superior Court Judge Candido Rodriguez Jr., Ahmed Andre, 62, was convicted on March 8.

Andre was convicted of one charge of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, four counts of second-degree sexual assault, two counts of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact.

An investigation was started after getting a referral from the Elizabeth Public School District and was led by Sergeant Joanne Son of the Special Victims Unit of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

The investigation found the victims were sexually assaulted by Andre on multiple occasions beginning when they were nine and 10 years old, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Peter Benza, who prosecuted the case.

"This verdict delivered a measure of justice for these brave women who came forward about the abuse they suffered," Daniel said, upon hearing the verdict. "The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to pursuing the prosecution of individuals who prey on vulnerable children."

Sentencing has been tentatively scheduled for April 19, before Judge Rodriguez, at which time Andre can face a sentence of up to 20 years in State Prison with an 85 percent period of mandatory parole ineligibility pursuant to the State’s No Early Release Act (NERA), on his first-degree conviction.

Andre also faces additional prison time on the remaining counts.

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