A Berlin man will spend decades behind bars after a Burlington County jury found he repeatedly sexually assaulted two young girls over a span of years. James Murray, 55, was sentenced on April 17 to 35 years in New Jersey state prison and must serve roughly 333 years before he is eligible for parole, according to prosecutors. Specific details of the abuse are being withheld to protect the victims.
Charges And Trial
Per a Burlington County Prosecutor's Office press release, a jury on December 17, 2025, convicted Murray after a six-day trial. Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before returning guilty verdicts on two counts of aggravated sexual assault (first degree), three counts of sexual assault (second degree), two counts of endangering the welfare of a child (second degree) and one count of obscenity to minors (third degree).
Prosecutor's Statement
In an interview with NBC10 Philadelphia, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said her office was focused on the well-being of the two survivors.
"We hope that this outcome brings them some degree of comfort," Bradshaw said, adding that prosecutors will continue to support the victims as they work to move forward.
Investigation And Legal Context
The case was handled by the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit and investigated jointly with the New Jersey State Police, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office. Because of the nature of the offenses and the ages of the victims, Murray faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years.
Sentence Details And Next Steps
The 35-year term was imposed on April 17. Murray must serve roughly 333 years before he is eligible for parole, according to NBC10 Philadelphia. The outlet reported that Murray's defense did not provide an immediate public response to the sentence.
The case caps a years-long investigation into what prosecutors describe as sustained abuse. Officials say the outcome underscores the county's push for stiff penalties in crimes against children and are urging anyone with information about related incidents to contact local law enforcement or the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office so investigators can follow up.
