Alexandria Township resident Jerry P. Bush convicted in child molestation case

Jerry P. Bush, 53, was convicted of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault and single counts each of first- and second-degree child endangerment, authorities said.

A Hunterdon County jury on Friday convicted an Alexandria Township man of sexual assault charges, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office reports.

Jerry P. Bush, 53, was convicted of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault and single counts each of first- and second-degree child endangerment, authorities said.

The verdicts followed a seven-day trial before Superior Court Judge Stephen B. Rubin.

Bush was initially arrested after the victim’s relative gave police photographs depicting the victim performing prohibited sexual acts.

New Jersey State Police Detective Sgt. Mark Gantner and members of Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office conducted the investigation.

Bush photographed the images given to police and the victim later disclosed that between 2003 and 2005, Bush engaged in acts of sexual penetration with the victim. The sexual acts occurred when the victim was younger than 13, authorities said.

The first-degree crimes carry maximum 20-year state prison sentences. Sentencing is scheduled in October.

Special Deputy Attorney General Dawn Solari represented the state. Defense attorney Louis Mangione Jr. represented Bush.