On February 5, 2025, Joseph A. Gares was sentenced by the Honorable H. Matthew Curry, J.S.C. to twenty-five (25) years in New Jersey State Prison, having to serve the full twenty five (25) years before being eligible for parole pursuant to the Jessica Lunsford Act. In addition, he will be subject to Parole Supervision for Life and registration pursuant to Megan’s Law. He was also ordered to pay mandatory fines and penalties and to have no contact with the victim.
On July 25, 2024, a Warren County jury found Joseph Gares guilty of:
- Aggravated Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a(1), a crime of the First Degree;
- Criminal Attempt / Aggravated Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a & 2C:14-2a(1), a crime of the Second Degree;
- Four Counts of Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2b, a crime of the Second Degree;
- Lewdness, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4b(1), a crime of the Fourth Degree; and
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(1), a crime of the Second Degree.
The jury found Gares not guilty of one count of First Degree Aggravated Sexual Assault.
The sexual acts occurred in 2012 through 2016 when the victim was between the ages of 9 and 11 years old.
Acting Prosecutor Cardone acknowledges the diligent efforts of the assistant prosecutors, and investigators for their outstanding work in this case from inception through prosecution. We also express our sincere appreciation for the Warren County Victim Witness Unit for their compassion, support and assistance. The exceptional collaboration among agencies cannot be overlooked as we thank the Warren County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit, the Phillipsburg Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police for their combined efforts.