13-year-old daughter set to testify against dad in rape trial (Union City, New Jersey)

UNNAMED DAD

http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2012/05/union_city_13-year-old_girl_se.html
Union City 13-year-old girl set to testify against father in rape trial

Published: Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 11:55 AM

By Michaelangelo Conte/The Jersey Journal

UNION CITY -- A now 13-year-old girl will to take the witness stand today in the trial of her 37-year-old father who is charged with raping her on more than one occasion over a two-year period, officials said.

The father is charged with aggravated sexual assault, which carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison; endangering the welfare of a child, which carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years; and child abuse, which carries a possible sentence of up to 18 months, officials said.

Opening statements in the trial were heard yesterday afternoon before Hudson County Superior Court Judge Lisa Rose in the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City, officials said.

Testimony began this morning and is expected to continue through tomorrow and then resume on Tuesday when closing arguments may be heard, officials said.

The case is being prosecuted by Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie McClure and the defendant is represented by North Bergen attorney Genesis Peduto.

The name of the defendant is not being disclosed in this article in order to protect the identity of the victim.