Montague Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison

Published on April 04, 2014

Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that the Honorable Stuart A. Minkowitz, P.J.Cr. sentenced Joseph L. Edwards, 26 years old, of Montague, New Jersey, to thirteen years in New Jersey State Prison with six and one-half years without parole in connection with numerous incidents involving aggravated assaults, weapons offenses, terroristic threats, and criminal sexual contact.

On March 10, 2014, defendant pled guilty to one count of Second Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose; one count of Second Degree Certain Persons Not to Possess a Weapon; two counts of Third Degree Aggravated Assault; one count of Third Degree Terroristic Threats; and two counts of Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Contact.

Over the course of the parties' two and one-half year relationship, the defendant physically and verbally abused the victim. In April, 2012, the defendant threatened the victim while holding a handgun. The defendant also admitted to two separate incidents involving physical assaults where he choked the victim with his hands to the point where she lost consciousness. The defendant also admitted to two separate incidents in which he committed acts of criminal sexual contact.

Judge Minkowitz sentenced the defendant to thirteen years with six and one-half years without the possibility of parole. The defendant was sentenced to a mandatory extended term of imprisonment as a repeat offender under the Graves Act, which means that the defendant must serve six and one- half years before becoming eligible for parole.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor/SDAG Tia Manochio represented the State in this case.

Acting Morris County Prosecutor Knapp thanked Police Chief Christopher Wagner and the Denville Police Department, Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Manochio and Detective Michelle Timmons from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Domestic Violence Unit for their efforts resulting in today's sentence.

Any inquiries can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.