MORRISTOWN, N.J. — A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison for the aggravated sexual assault and robbery of a woman on the Traction Line Recreation Trail in 2022, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll announced.

Lizandro Osorio-Mejia was sentenced on December 6 by Judge Claudia Jones after pleading guilty in August to first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree robbery, and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Under the terms of the No Early Release Act, Osorio-Mejia will serve at least eight years and six months before becoming eligible for parole. He will also be subject to Megan’s Law, parole supervision for life, and is prohibited from having any contact with the victim upon release.

The attack occurred on May 3, 2022, when Osorio-Mejia and a juvenile accomplice approached a woman on the Traction Line Recreation Trail and demanded money. When the victim refused, Osorio-Mejia pushed her to the ground, sexually assaulted her, and robbed her while armed with a rock. The juvenile stood nearby during the assault. Both suspects fled the scene and were arrested three days later.

The juvenile accomplice, now identified as Kenneth Barios Aviles, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft. He received an 18-month probationary sentence in December 2023, with credit for 40 days of time served.

Prosecutor Carroll commended the efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system in holding Osorio-Mejia accountable, stating, “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and ensures that justice has been served for the victim.”

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