Gjon Gjegji, a 56-year-old man from Pelham, N.H., who previously resided in Haverhill, Mass., has been sentenced to serve a 13 to 14-year term in state prison for the rape of a child, based on a recent judiciary ruling. The Essex County Superior Court passed the sentence yesterday following Gjegji's conviction by a jury on September 27, 2024, for three counts of child rape with the aggravating factor of age difference and three counts of child rape with force.
According to the Essex County District Attorney's Office, the offenses for which Gjegji was found guilty occurred in 2007. The case was brought to the court's attention with indictments returned in March of 2022. After serving his prison term, Gjegji is required to begin a three-year probation period immediately.
"We truly admire the strength and courage demonstrated by the victim in this case throughout the court process," Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker expressed, as reported by the Essex County District Attorney's Office. The trial was overseen by the Hon. Camille F. Sarrouf, Jr. and Gjegji were defended by attorney William Sullivan during the proceedings.
Assistant District Attorney Erin Bellavia acted in representation for the Commonwealth in this case, while Amy Snow supported as the victim/witness advocate. The investigation that led to Gjegji's conviction was conducted by Penny Portalla of the Haverhill Police Department, uncovering the years-old crimes for which Gjegji has now been held accountable.
