Wed, Jan 19 2011
Illegal immigrant sentenced in NJ sex assault

A judge in New Jersey has sentenced an illegal immigrant from Honduras to seven years in prison for sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl.

Manuel Fajardo-Santos (fa-HAR'-do san-TOHS') had admitted he fondled his girlfriend's sister in 2008.

The Daily Record of Parsippany reported the 32-year-old told the judge he regretted his actions.

He was the focus of a state Supreme Court ruling in 2009.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office had sought higher bail to prevent Fajardo-Santos from escaping justice after he posted bond and Immigration and Customs Enforcement sought to deport him after his arrest.

Advertisement The state Supreme Court ruled unanimously that bail can be set higher for illegal immigrants facing deportation to prevent them from dodging prosecution.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_de ... sault.html