A Mantua Township man admitted in court to sexually assaulting a minor and is expected to receive a 10-year state prison sentence under a plea agreement, prosecutors said.
Michael Brown, 46, of Mantua Township, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault of a minor before Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns announced.
According to prosecutors, Brown admitted during court proceedings to sexually assaulting a minor over a period of time while she was under his supervision and care.
Plea agreement calls for decade in prison
Under the plea agreement, Brown is expected to be sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Prosecutors said he must serve 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole under New Jersey law.
Upon release, Brown will be subject to lifetime parole supervision, must register under Megan’s Law, and will be prohibited from participating in youth sports activities.
Related case remains pending
Authorities said the victim was associated with the Harrison Sparks cheerleading organization.
Charges against Brown’s wife, Valerie Brown, remain pending. She has been charged with third-degree endangering the welfare of a child and criminal sexual contact. Those charges have not been resolved in court.
Investigation conducted by local authorities
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Kylie Finley.
Prosecutor Johns credited the Mantua Township Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit for their work on the investigation.
As with all criminal matters, charges against any defendant whose case remains pending are merely accusations unless proven in court.
Key Points
• Michael Brown, 46, pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated sexual assault of a minor.
• Prosecutors said he faces a 10-year prison sentence under a plea agreement.
• Brown will be required to register under Megan’s Law and will be subject to lifetime parole supervision upon release.