Prosecutor: Area 36-Year-Old Man Gets 48 Years for String of Sexual Assaults of Pre-Teens

An area man has been sentenced to 48 years in state prison after being convicted of charges stemming from a string of sexual assaults and related crimes against two young girls over the course of several years, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Monday.

Gerell F. Schmitt, 36, of Eatontown, must serve a minimum of 85 percent of that sentence before the possibility of parole, in accordance with New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), under the terms set down during a hearing on June 9 by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill G. O’Malley.

He was convicted by trial on the charges: of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree attempted aggravated sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, and second- and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

“There are no greater responsibilities we have as an Office than aggressively investigating and prosecuting the despicable actions of individuals who prey upon our vulnerable citizens, purely for their own selfish gratification,” Prosecutor Santiago said. “The outcome of this case is emblematic of that notion.”

The case background …

An investigation into Schmitt’s activities was initiated by Eatontown Police Detective Christopher Casson in September of 2020 when a relative of the two victims first reported the abuse to authorities.

Both girls were under the age of 13 at the time the crimes were committed against them. The investigation ultimately determined that Schmitt had committed the crimes at several locations across Monmouth County, including his residence in Eatontown.

Schmitt was arrested in October of 2020 and stood trial earlier this year, with both victims testifying.

This case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Keri-Leigh Schaefer. Schmitt was represented by Michael Kuhns, Esq.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office