A Cumberland County man charged on Wednesday night with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree armed robbery and second-degree burglary, for his alleged Aug. 3 attack on an elderly woman at her Somers Point home, had his initial court appearance this afternoon via video, where he was formally advised of the charges against him, Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel stated.
Marvin Sherwood, 27, of Finimore Street in Vineland, was also charged with possession of a weapon, a knife, possession of a weapon with an unlawful purpose, third-degree aggravated assault and third-degree tampering with physical evidence. In addition, he was charged with third-degree terroristic threats for allegedly threatening to kill the victim if she went to police or to the hospital, according to Chief Assistant Prosecutor Ellen Loughney, who represented the state at today’s hearing.
Superior Court Judge Michael A. Donio presided over today’s proceeding. He read the charges against Sherwood and advised the man of his rights.
“Do you have a copy of the charges against you?” Superior Court Judge Donio asked.
“Yes.”
“You are charged with eight separate offenses, all alleged to have occurred on August] 3,” Judge Donio told Sherwood.
Superior Court Judge Donio also advised Sherwood that he is alleged to have attempted to destroy physical evidence, Loughney stated.
A blanket bail on the Somers Point charges was set by another Superior Court Judge in the amount of $750,000 full cash.
Aggravated sexual assault, a crime of the first-degree, carries a maximum prison sentence upon conviction of 20 years and $200,000 in fines.
