Morris Prosecutor: Randolph Man Gets State Prison Term For Endangering Welfare of a Child

Published on January 15, 2020

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker and Randolph Police Chief David Stokoe announce that Jose Lemus, 67, of Randolph, has been sentenced to seven years in state prison for a conviction on a second-degree crime of endangering the welfare of a child.(, 0B)

Lemus, who was sentenced Tuesday (Jan. 14) by Superior Court Judge Stephen Taylor, also was ordered to pay mandatory fines and penalties and to have no contact with the victim. He also will be subject to Parole Supervision for Life and registration pursuant to Megan's Law.

On Oct. 21, 2019, a Morris County jury found Lemus guilty of one count of endangering the welfare of a child. The jury found Lemus not guilty of one count of sexual assault and could not reach a verdict on a separate counts of sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual contact.

The sexual acts that constituted endangering the welfare of a child occurred from 2011 through 2015 when the victim was between the ages of 11 and 15-years old.

The State was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Gloria Rispoli and Assistant Prosecutor George Russo at trial.

Prosecutor Knapp commended both of the assistant prosecutors, along with Detective Supervisor Carolina Moreno for outstanding work in investigating and prosecuting this case. He also thanked Randolph Police, the New Jersey State Police, Morris County Sheriff's Digital Media Unit, and the Prosecutor's Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their efforts in this case.

Inquiries should be directed to Public Information Officer Meghan Knab at pressinquiry@co.morris.nj.us or 973-829-8159.