FREEHOLD, NJ—A former Eatontown resident, Gerell F. Schmitt, has been sentenced to 48 years in state prison for sexually assaulting two young girls over multiple years, beginning over a decade ago. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced the sentencing on Monday, highlighting the culmination of a lengthy legal process.
The sentence was handed down by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill G. O’Malley on Tuesday, July 9. Schmitt, 36, is required to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole, following the stipulations of New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA).
The case against Schmitt began in September 2020 after a relative of the victims reported the abuse to the Eatontown Police Department. Detective Christopher Casson led the investigation, which revealed the crimes occurred at multiple locations in Monmouth County, including Schmitt’s home. Both victims, who were under the age of 13 when the assaults began, testified during the trial.
After deliberation, a Monmouth County jury convicted Schmitt on multiple charges, including first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault and second-degree Attempted Aggravated Sexual Assault, among others. Prosecutor Santiago expressed his office’s commitment to prosecuting those who exploit vulnerable individuals, stating, “The outcome of this case is emblematic of that notion.”