A New Jersey man was convicted of sexually abusing a young girl over a two-year span. On Friday, May 8, 2026, Emmanuel Rodriguez, 34, of Mays Landing, was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual assault of a child and endangering the welfare of a child. Resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673. The investigation began on Jan. 1, 2023, when Hamilton Township Police received a report of a child who was sexually assaulted by a man, later identified as Rodriguez. The victim told investigators Rodriguez groomed her online with sexually inappropriate conversations and explicit photographs. Rodriguez then arranged multiple “dates” with the victim when she was 9 years old and asked her “to be his girlfriend.” During the “dates,” Rodriguez sexually assaulted the girl. Rodriguez continued to sexually abuse the girl until she was 11 years old. The victim told investigators she did not tell anyone about the abuse because she loved Rodriguez’s family and didn’t want to get him in trouble. Hamilton Township Police and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office both investigated Rodriguez and listened to a conversation he had with the victim’s mother. During the conversation, Rodriguez repeatedly apologized to the victim’s mother, claiming he was “already seeking help” and “knew he was wrong.” Rodriguez’s sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 13, 2026. He faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years to life in prison. He also faces mandatory parole supervision for life and Megan’s law registration. ...read more read less