FREEHOLD – A borough man was sentenced to 40 years in state prison for robbing a 19-year-old woman and attempting to sexually assault her at gunpoint in Manalapan, authorities said.
Anthony Burke, 48, received the sentence Aug. 24 from Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
Burke must serve 85% of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act.
A jury convicted Burke in February of attempted aggravated sexual assault and armed robbery, both first-degree crimes. He was also found guilty of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Jurors determined Burke was a repeat violent offender based on his prior convictions, exposing him to a mandatory sentence ranging from 20 years to life in prison.
Manalapan police were called to Thompson Grove Park at about 9:48 p.m. Aug. 14, 2023, following a report of an armed robbery.
Investigators said Burke forced his way into the victim’s vehicle, stole her cellphone, keys and cash, and attempted to sexually assault her while armed with a gun. The woman escaped and ran to a nearby home for assistance.
Authorities identified Burke through witness accounts, a composite sketch, police surveillance, cellphone records, digital forensic evidence and vehicle-location data.
The investigation involved the Manalapan Township Police Department and the prosecutor’s office’s Major Crimes, Special Victims and High Tech bureaus. The Freehold Township and Freehold Borough police departments, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and New Jersey State Police Forensic Imaging Unit also assisted.
Assistant Prosecutor Caitlin J. Sidley prosecuted the case. Burke was represented by attorney Michael A. Policastro of Milltown.
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