COURT HOUSE – A North Cape May man was sentenced Oct. 18 to 25 years in New Jersey State Prison for aggravated sexual assault on a minor and endangering the welfare of a child.

John T. Gillespie, 37, was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury Jr. in a case that began with an investigation of Gillespie with a search warrant executed on Feb. 10, 2023, at his Town Bank Road residence.

He was arrested on child pornography charges on Feb. 13, 2023, and two days later was charged with aggravated sexual assault on a minor after the juvenile victim spoke to investigators.

Gillespie was indicted on first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child (possession of child sexual abuse materials) and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child (distribution of child sexual abuse materials).

On July 12, Gillespie pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

DeLury sentenced him to 15 years for the sexual assault charge, and he must serve 15 years, pursuant to the Jessica Lunsford Act. He also must serve a consecutive term of 10 years on the endangering the welfare of a child charge. He is also subject to Megan’s Law and parole supervision for life as part of the sentence.

Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland recognized the investigative efforts of the State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Department of Homeland Security Investigations-Atlantic City and the Lower Township Police Department, along with Senior Assistant Prosecutor Bryna Batten, who prosecuted the case.

Sutherland said citizens of Cape May County can report information regarding any criminal activity anonymously through the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office tip line at cmcpo.tips, or via telephone at 609-465-1135.

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