Elizabeth Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting Preteen Girl

Monday, February 10, 2025, 11:15 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

ELIZABETH, NJ.- A 62-year-old Elizabeth, New Jersey man is facing spending the rest of his life in New Jersey State Prison after being convicted last Tuesday for repeatedly sexually assaulting a preteen child.

     According to Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, following a nearly month-long trial in Union County Superior Court, the jury found Ivan Calderon, 62, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, guilty of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault; second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child; and second-degree Sexual Assault. The jury deliberated for three days before returning their findings of guilt.

     The conviction stems from an investigation that unfolded in early January 2022 when the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit received a report regarding the sexual assault of a child. The investigation uncovered the sexual assaults began in 2014 and lasted through 2017, according to Assistant Union County Prosecutor Kathleen Dillon, who prosecuted the case. The child was less than thirteen years old during the duration of the crimes, Dillon added.

Detectives Learn Of Two Additional Child Victims

     Following the investigation, Detectives, in late January 2022, arrested and formally charged Calderon with multiple child sex crimes offenses. As a result of the continuing investigation, Detectives identified two additional child victims, and Calderon was additionally charged in March 2022 and again in July 2024 for sex crimes involving the two juveniles. These cases are still pending trial.

     Following his conviction on Tuesday, sentencing has been tentatively scheduled for March 21, 2025, when Calderon will face a mandatory minimum of 25 years and up to life in State Prison.

     “This conviction will not erase the trauma inflicted on the victim, but it sends a clear message: sexual assault will not be tolerated,” Prosecutor Daniel said. “The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to pursuing the prosecution of individuals who prey on vulnerable children.”