Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson, and Morris Township Police Chief Robert Shearer announce the sentencing of Lizandro Osorio-Mejia, age 20, in connection with an aggravated sexual assault and robbery that occurred on May 3, 2022 in Morristown on the Traction Line Recreation Trail.
On August 19, 2024, Osorio-Mejia pled guilty to one count of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, one count of first-degree Robbery, and one count of third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.
On December 6, 2024, the Honorable Claudia Jones, J.S.C. imposed a sentence of ten (10) years in New Jersey State Prison, with eight years and six months of parole ineligibility. Defendant was also sentenced subject to the No Early Release Act, and Parole Supervision for Life. Upon release, Osorio-Mejia will be subject to Megan’s Law and is not to have any contact with the victim.
Osorio-Mejia was arrested following an investigation into the May 3, 2022 incident on the Traction Line Recreation Trail in Morristown. Two males, Osorio-Mejia and a juvenile, approached the female victim and asked for money. When the female victim did not provide money, Osorio-Mejia pushed the victim to the ground and sexually assaulted her while the juvenile male stood nearby. Osorio-Mejia was armed with a rock at the time of the assault. Thereafter, both suspects fled the area. Both suspects were unknown to the victim.
Osorio-Mejia was subsequently arrested and charged, along with the juvenile male, on May 6, 2022. He has been in custody since his arrest.
The juvenile involved in the incident, now identified as Kenneth Barios Aviles, previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Theft, an offense that would constitute a crime of the third degree if committed by an adult. On December 18, 2023, the Honorable Michael P. Wright, J.S.C. imposed an 18 month probationary disposition, with credit for time-served (40 days), and no contact with victim.
Members of the Morristown Police Department, Morris Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division and Crime Scene Investigations Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit contributed to the successful prosecution of the case.