56-Year-Old Vineland Convicted For The Nearly Decade-Long Sexual Assaults Of Two Children

Thursday, August 22, 2024, 10:00 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News, 

VINELAND, NJ.- On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, a jury sitting in Cumberland County, New Jersey, found Christopher A. Bonner, 56, of Vineland, New Jersey, guilty on the charges of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault and two counts of second-degree Sexual Assault. 

     According to Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, jury selection began on July 29, 2024, in Cumberland County Superior Court in Bridgeton, New Jersey. During the nearly four-week trial, Cumberland County Assistant Prosecutor Holly Fanelle presented evidence that Bonner sexually assaulted two children who were under the age of thirteen.

Evidence Presented At Trial

     Assistant Prosecutor Fanelle also presented evidence to the jury that the sexual assaults occurred regularly between 1993 and 2002 in Vineland, New Jersey. Bonner was also related to the two children.

     Bonner remains detained in the Cumberland County Jail. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 4, 2024, in Cumberland County Superior Court. At that time, Bonner faces up to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the No Early Release Act, which will require him to serve 85% of his custodial term before becoming eligible for parole.

     Upon release, Bonner will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law registration requirements and will be on parole supervision for life.

      Following the October 4, 2024 sentencing, Bonner will be transferred to the New Jersey State Department of Corrections to begin serving his prison term.